8/27/08
All below at Jay’s Bistro except where indicated:
Wednesday 8/27 (7:30-10:30) Monster Trux Jazz Trio (with the likes of Roger Banhart/bass Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano) lead off, with sax symbol, Andrew Vogt joining them at 8:30. A night of saxational sounds ensues!
Thursday 8/28 (6:30-10:30) Mark Sloniker leads off with Marty Kenny/bass batting “clean up” and clearing the basses because there’s always room for ‘Cello (you must be at least 43 years old to get that one).
Friday 8/29 (8:30-11:30) Ryan Fourt on guitar is joined by Matt Smiley (currently a grad student at UNC and a wonderful new addition to the jazz scene) on bass with Mark Raynes on drums and Mark Sloniker at the piano with an unconventional key-note address to raise the bar and adjourn to it!
Saturday 8/30 (8:30-11:30) Jazz vocalist Marguerite Juenemann joins bassist Mary Kenny and Mark Sloniker at the piano to host a Bistro party in the lounge and another one on the patio (this is the two-party-system at its best) with a special patio appearance by Pattie O’Funiture!
Upcoming Bistro Jazz Features: Gene Libbea, Thurs. 9/4. Peter Sommer, Fri. 9/5. Mary Buirgy, Sat. 9/6. Kevin Whalen, Fri. 9/12. Colleen Crosson, Sat. 9/20.
I’ll be at Dazzle in Denver with Ron Miles, Paul Romaine, Bijou Barbosa, and Joe Anderies on Thurs 9/18 (two shows 7 and 9).
As always, Thanks for Listening!
Mark
8/20/08
We’re celebrating the second Bistrolympics this week with Track and Lounge Events that will leave you hanging on the edge of your bar stool. Although any wavering or body checking there could cost you a tenth of a point if not complete disqualification from the lounge games altogether. Our 100 meter hurdling (as opposed to hurling) event involves jumping over the drums complete with drummer, and bass with bassist before vaulting the piano and piano player over the finish line. The winner gets the gold (Cuervo Gold) and a chance to “poll” vault into the VP spot at the Democratic National Convention next week in Denver. While track attire is recommended, pant suits are optional.
The 12 bar dash involves the pianist, bassist and drummer running to 12 other bars (no rushing) playing a 12 bar blues in each establishment before absconding with 12 of their regulars and bringing them back to the bistro. Any straggling patrons could cost you up to five tenths of a point (plus half that patrons current bar tab). We’re trying to improve last year’s time of 59 minutes 26.4457 seconds and really raise the bar this year.
The competition between our fine upstanding bistro lounge and that low down “Drunken Monkey” across the street will be called The Uneven Bars (event) and in the event of a tie, the bar with the most ties will win.
Any Questions? Then let the games begin!
Wednesday 8/20 Jay’s (7:30-10:30) Olympiads include Marty Kenny/bass, Ron Cottingham/guitar, Mark Raynes/drums and Mary Lou Sloniker/piano and tumbling (always to a new level of lowness)
Thursday 8/21 Jay’s (6:30-10:30) includes Beach Jazz with Sandy Sloniker/piano and Marty Kenny/surf bass, others may join in later.
Friday 8/22 Jay’s (6-8 = a Slon Solo Set) then 8:30-11:30 features the Javelin Event with Team-Bistro: Dave Lunn/sax, Erik Applegate/bass, Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker on drums and piano…Sloniker is the Javelin Catcher on the team and says “boy, can these guys really get their point across, and make an impression on/in me.
Saturday 8/23 Jay’s (6-8 is a Slon solo set) then 8:30-11:30 features Colleen Crosson/voice, Marty Kenny/bass and Mark Sloniker/meddling in everyone’s lounge games.
May the best WoMan (a new politically correct, intergenderous term including, but not limited to, both genders) WIN!
Mark
P.S. I’ll be performing at Dazzle in Denver on Thursday September 18th (shows at 7 and 9) with Ron Miles/trumpet, Paul Romaine/drums, Joe Anderies/sax, and Bijoux Barbosa/bass for more info contact me or Dazzle.
8/13/08
Last Notice: CSU Lagoon Series Concert TONIGHT 6:30-8:30 (one block south of Laurel and Loomis) Hugh Ragin/trumpet, Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Thursday Jay’s Bisrto (7-10:30) Mark Sloniker/piano and Marty Kenny/bass and some special guests.
Friday Jay’s Bisrto (8:30-11:30) John Olson/drums, Andrew Vogt/sax, Marty Kenny/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano
Saturday Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Wendy Fopeano/voice, Marty Kenny/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
8/08/08
Wednesday August 13th at the CSU Lagoon (one block south of Laurel and Loomis on the CSU campus) 6:30-8:30 with Hugh Ragin/trumpet, Mark Raynes/drums, Erik Applegate/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. This is a free concert in a beautiful and spacious setting (my favorite) with trees and grass and cloudless skies above. Bring a blanket or lawn chair(s) and relax and enjoy some music! For more information, go to “Summer Lagoon Concert Series at CSU” or “The Mantooth Company” on the internet. This is a great chance to catch trumpeter Hugh Ragin in a rare Fort Collins performance as we celebrate 24 years of playing together! Here’s the “repeat”:
1 tube of #30 sunblock sun tan lotion: $3.95
1 boogie board: $29.95
1 afternoon at the Jersey shore with your daughter in 90 degree air and 61 degree ocean water (ooowweeeeee)…..body surfing and boogie boarding…
Once you’re in…and feeling the might of the surf and the taste of salt, there’s no exit…until 6pm when Poseidon turns off the wave machine for the day and heads to the Surf ‘n Brew for a cold one: PRICELESS
2 gallons of gas (for the drive from Manasquan to Red Bank): $8.00
2 lattes and a 2 iced mochas at the coffee shop: $10.50
1 trip (a pilgrimage, actually) with Myles, Emma and our Jersey guide, Eddie (thanks Eddie, You Rock Man!) to Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash – thee store for memorabilia and collectables with special focus on such movies by Kevin Smith such as “Clerks”, “Clerks II”, “Mallrats”, “Chasing Amy” and “Dogma”: PRICELESS!
1 drive down to the Point Pleasant Boardwalk Amusement Park: $4.00
2 tickets to the bumber car ride (Emma and me): $12.80
1 chance to bump into numerous friends and new acquaintances and run into so many kind folks: PriceLess!!!
A glass of wine at Jay’s: $6.50
A dessert at Jay’s: $5.50
A set or two of very unique jazz performed from the heart by some consummate cats: PRICELESS
Here’s your chance to catch some priceless musical fun at Jay’s Bistro!
Wednesday (8/6) (7:30-10:30) Jay’s features Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass, Mark Sloniker/piano and Andrew on sax etc…
Thursday (8/7) (6:30-10:30) Gene Libbea/ bass with Mark Sloniker/piano and guests.
Friday 8/8 (8:30-11:30) Kevin Whalen/trumpet, Matt Smiley/bass, Shilo Stroman/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano
Saturday (8:30-10:30) with vocalist Mary Buirgy and Bassist Marty Kenney/bass
As always, thanks for listening!
Mark
8/05/08
1 tube of #30 sunblock sun tan lotion: $3.95
1 boogie board: $29.95
1 afternoon at the Jersey shore with your daughter in 90 degree air and 60 degree ocean water (ooowweeeeee)…..body surfing and boogie boarding… Once you’re in…and feeling the might of the surf and the taste of salt there’s no exit…until 6pm when Poseidon turns off the wave machine for the day and heads to the Surf ‘n Brew for a cold one: PRICELESS
3 gallons of gas (for the drive from Manasquan to Red Bank): $12.00
2 lattes and a 2 iced mochas at the coffee shop: $10.50
1 trip (a pilgrimage, actually) with Myles, Emma and our Jersey guide, Eddie (thanks Eddie, You Rock Man!) to Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash – thee store for memorabilia and collectables with special focus on such movies by Kevin Smith such as “Clerks”, “Clerks II”, “Mallrats”, “Chasing Amy” and “Dogma”: PRICELESS!
1 drive down to the Board Walk Amusement Park: $14.00
2 tickets to the bumber car ride (Emma and me): $13.85
1 chance to bump into numerous friends and new acquaintances and run into so many kind folks: PriceLess!!!
A glass of wine at Jay’s: $6.50
A desert at Jay’s: $5.50
A set of very unique jazz performed from the heart by consummate musicians: PRICELESS
Here’s your chance:
Wednesday (7:30-10:30) Jay’s features Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass, Mark Sloniker/piano and Andrew on sax etc…
Thursday (6:30-10:30) Gene Libbea/ bass with Mark Sloniker/piano and guests.
Saturday (8:30-10:30) with vocalist Mary Buirgy and Bassist Marty Kenney/bass
8/01/08
Dear jazz/music friends, This planet is currently offering several (out-of-this-world) sweet beboportunities to catch some delightfully “cool vibrations” (jazz-jargon for “lively music” – must be wearing a jaunty beret while using such jazz-speak-ease-lingo…or having a bitchin’ set o’ bongos with which to bombastically celebrate the “beat”!?). I know what busy cats you are, so I will cut to the chase-so-to-speak. Suffice it to say that I am blessed and fortunate to be a part of the following events with the following “Music Doctors” (hence to abbr. M.D.) so please, “Carpe these beboportunities” and song full loonities and pop on out for some toonage…soonage… (you know this universe as-we-know-it, has only got another 14 or 15 billion good years left in her - or not…rumor has it the extended warranty on the Milky Way Galaxy expired yesterday). These mysterious Music Doctors can bring a healing to how you feeling…Or whimsically ‘splain away your pain…Or bring a serene sane coolery to this heated global foolery. Whatever the spasm, the razzle dazz of jazz can ford THAT chasm. If you got a mope, don’t call the Pope for these jazz Drs. can ascend any slippery slope. So just dawn on your “cazh” summer finery…you be the grape…we’ll be the winery! (No pressing matters here!) Jay’s Bistro Gigs:
Tonight, Friday 8/1 (8:30-11:30) Ryan Fourt/guitar, Marty Kenny/bass, Raynes & Sloniker/drums & piano. This is thee very same band that brought down the house (well, actually it wasn’t in a house; it was in a square…BUT by the time we got done with it, it wasn’t “square” anymore, it was very hip. Tonight we’ll be playing in the round!
Saturday 8/2 (8:30-11:30) Billy Hundley sings the way ONLY Billy Hundley can sing. And oh, can he sing! Carpe Billy Hundley and give him a good listening (to?). Bassist Marty Rein will walk the “line” (bass line that is) and make that bass talk (the talk)! I feel better just talking about it. I’ll attempt the piano (pray for me).
Avogadro’s Number: Sunday 8/3 Colleen Crosson and Mark Sloniker team up for a very rare concert appearance at Avo’s Outdoor backyard arena (7PM). People are already lining up with lawn chairs and sleeping bags at the entrance (or not). This will be a sweet night of lovely songs from original compositions to jazzy standards to fine folkery with a little tom foolery thrown in for good measure (bar none) ($10 at the door)!
Summer Lagoon Concert (at CSU Lagoon): Wednesday 8/13 (6:30-8:30) HUGH RAGIN HUGH RAGIN HUGH RAGIN!!!!!!!!! Teams up with THEE MONSTER TRUX MONSTER TRUX MONSTER TRUX T-R-I-O (that’s Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano) to bring a sensational set of toonage to my favorite outdoor concert setting in the galaxy…and I’ve played them all…except for that one little coffee shop on the far side of Pluto…where I’ll be next week…Pluto’s got NO atmosphere but it’s cool…very cool! This is a rare Fort C. appearance for Hugh and we will celebrate 24 years of playing (and I do mean playing) together this summer!
Stay cool! And as always, thanks for listening!
Mark
7/16/08
Thanks to so many of YOU who were able to attend our set at the Fort Collins Jazz Experience on Saturday! It was one of THEE best sets of jazz I have ever had the good fortune to partake in with band-cats and listener-cats alike (with improvisational music, everyone present is part of the co-creational process). AND, what a perfectly beautiful summer day in which to celebrate and cocreate jazz of many, many flavors, outdoors in thee-so-very-wonderful setting of Old Town, where music was going on, on three stages at once! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for your ebullient presence in our ever evolving music!
Some of the things I love about jazz are: it’s “extemporaneous” life-affirming willingness to be created in the moment (this is a willingness that requires courage and conviction, an ingredient greatly valued by such deep and innovative thinkers as Thomas Edison and George Washington Carver); it’s inclusivity and love of diversity and variety (like it’s birth place which has been called a “melting pot”…honoring the many paths that lead to the one!); and it’s exuberence and vigor in celebrating the joy of being alive (however tenuous it may appear to be from time to time!).
Jazz (described by documentary film maker, Ken Burns, as “America’s” most significant artistic contribution to the world thus far) is singing to me in this very instant. And it’s song is saying that our current situation is not a doldrum nor a dilemma but an opportunity to respond to the moment in the moment with wisdom and convicton and strength and common sense and good humor and gregarity and humility which can unite ALL lovers of liberty and self determination and freedom ALL around the world. This is a time for these like minded hearts and souls to reach across aisles and borders and rivers and oceans with open hands, eager to paint a Bigger picture; a new picture that is even more life-affirming, planet-affirming and harmony-affirming….humanity- affirming than ever before! My wise and wonderful mamma always said that every challenge was an opportunity in disguise, beckoning us forward to grow. Let’s sieze this one and turn it UP-SIDE-DOWN….ready, on “hike-double-three”….and I will be painting with my eager hands and brushes (the piano) at these places and times…please join me when and where you can.
Wednesday 7/16 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro is the canvas for Marty Kenny/bass, Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker and special guest Mathew Floyd/sax as they join hands in a finger painting of joyful sound (this gives digital music a whole new meaning)! The sound of two feet tapping – one hand clapping and no one rapping (at least any angry words).
Thursday 7/17 Violinist (things bowed well for violinists) James Anderson joins me (Mark Sloniker) at Jay’s for an adventurous romp in the realms of “reel book” revelry. Rwhy ron’t rou rome ron rown! (the three “Rs” have never been so insulted). The details are sketchy but the hand writing’s on the wall…we’ll pencil you in!
Friday 7/18 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Fort Collins own Sax symbol, Andrew Vogt serenades us sensationally (if not somewhat sensually) along side Dr. Forest Greenough/Dr. of Bassology, Mark Raynes/Dr. of Drumology and Mark Sloniker/not-a-Dr.-of anything-ology (but he sure can nurse a drink).
Saturday 7/19 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Vocalist, Mary Buirgy, guitarist, Ryan Fourt and bassist, Forest Greenough will wow you…all you who are wisely willing to be wowed willingly…and why wait!
More upcoming jazz @ jay’s features: Bard Hoff/guitar Wednesday 7/23! Ryan Marvel/piano Thursday 7/24! Peter Sommer/sax Friday 7/25! James Anderson/violin Saturday 7/26…after which James is heading to London for graduate school…so please come down and send him off across the pond in style.
ALSO: Sunday, August 3rd, Colleen Crosson and I will be doing a concert in the very cool backyard of Avogadro’s Number (605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins) on the very cool “mini-Telluride-esque” stage in that aforementioned very cool backyard! We will be mixing it up with jazz, contemporary folk and original Sloniker “heartsongs” that perhaps few of you on this list have heard before! The concert starts at 7 pm (it’s a “work night” for some folks and we respect that), and admission is $10 at the door. Come out and “play” with us – it’s all ages, kid friendly with a tree house and everything!
AND Wednesday, August 13, Mark Sloniker and Friends will be making some joyful jazz at the CSU Lagoon Concert Series (6:30-8:30). This is a wonderful location to sit on the grass surrounded by beautiful trees and enjoy some tunes. Bring a picnic and we will paint a sweet summer soundscape for your ears! Google “Lagoon Summer Concerts” for more information regarding this and other Lagoon Concerts this summer.
As Always, Thanks for listening (it’s a joy and honor to play for you)!
Mark
7/09/08
Such a great chance to experience a myriad of jazz this week, could be called a…BEBOPPORTUNITY! JAZZ @ Jay’s during the Fort Collins Jazz Experience starts NOW…well tonight:
Wednesday 7/9 Jay’s (7:30-10:30) with Ryan Fort/guitar, Mark Raynes/drums, Marty Kenny/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano this is a preview set of our outdoor set on Saturday. Since we never play the same tune the same way twice, stop in and hear what we sound like playing more-inside jazz. We will be playing my latest composition…”An Aire on Conditioning” in the “Cool Jazz” style…so come by and chill with us! (go ahead, give us “the cold shoulder”)
Thursday 7/10 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s welcomes long time local jazz luminary, Ron Cottingham/guitar with long time local dare-ee-airy, Mark (no-butts-about-it) Sloniker/piano…Batman and Robin ‘got nuthin’ on this Dynamic Duo!
Friday 7/11 (8:30-11:30) Jay’s features dos Grammy award winner Gene Libbea on bass with Ryan Fort/guitar, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano. This band swings like a tire tied over a the branch of a huge Cottonwood on the banks of a cool, fast running river. Or something like that.
Saturday 7/12 Old Town Square (4:30-5:30) Mark Sloniker & Friends (that’s Ryan Fort/guitar, Marty Kenny/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and your humble narrator on piano) this Promises to be a very sweet set so set your sweet sights on the Square and come on down for a listen!
Later Saturday we will be back at Jay’s @ 9PM with a jammin’ set to finish off the day with some special guests sitting in (bring your axe)
There’s something about Live Music, Summer Sun and Fun that makes this week a wonderful bebopportunity to enjoy our community, so we hope to see your smiling face somewhere along the way!
As always, Thanks for Listening!
Mark
Q: What’s the difference between a large pizza and a jazz piano player?
A: A large pizza can feed a family of four! J (cheesy as it sounds)
7/04/08
One DVD of Studio Ghibli’s film “Spirited Away”… $29.95
One lap top computer…$1,499.95
One Sunday evening with my daughter Emma, building a fabulous pillow-card table-blanket-fort on our deck (complete with star-gazer-sky-light-flap through which one could view any and everything worth seeing in the entire milky way galaxy [“explain to me again how it resembles a candy bar”] while watching said movie on said lap top, while eating perfectly popped pop corn, while hearing Emma say…”Were you making up the part about the black hole 3 million times the mass of the sun at the center of our galaxy?” and responding…”No, well give-or-take 100 million or say, that’s what they say!? Did you see that falling star just now?” ………………………………………………………………………………….PRICELESS!!!
Dr. Dan Gilbert (of Harvard) says that experiences are “better” than things because we will always have them. Right on Dr. Dan! Well, as experiences go, here’s another priceless one (for me, at least):
Saturday 7/5 (8:30-11:30) Jay’s Bistro will be serving up some jazz (PBS film maker Ken Burns called jazz the most sigificant American* artistic contribution to the world thus far) with the likes of vocalist Colleen Crosson, bassist Marty Kenny and me on the piano. We will play a medley of some of my favorite patriotic songs from the American* patriotic songbook, with a uniquely American* jazz flavor!....
One beer…$3.50 (approx.)
One seafood Ceasar salad… $10.00 (approx.)
One truly inspired, heart felt jazzed up patriotic medley…priceless (precisely)
Happy 4th of July to ALL! God bless America, planet Earth, the rest of the Milky Way Galaxy (even the black hole)…. oh yeah, and those other galaxies out there too!…How did Tiny Tim put it?
Thanks (as always) for Listening,
Mark
The use of the word American here refers to the United States of America.
PS Mark Sloniker & Friends will perform at the Fort Collins Jazz Experience on Saturday July 12 at 4:30PM on the Old Town Square Stage (and later that night at Jay’s Bistro. For more information please go to:
http://www.downtownfortcollins.com
6/30/08
Dear E-Mail friends. This letter comes right from the top (hum "Hail To The Chief" wistfully while reading). m.s.
My Fellow Americans.. I have in my possession, the ONLY patriotically-ethically-morally-spiritually-and intelligently proper and approved method for correctly spending your IRS Rebate Check. It is there below. Watch out! It is tricky! It can be dangerous! But I am convinced it is the only way to save America (when I say America, I hope you know that I am referring to the United States and NOT Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Argentina or any other of the other western hemisphere nations that in totality make up "the Americas," NOR am I addressing any of the citizens of those countries who, by definition ARE AMERICANS and DO have just as much right to refer to themselves as Americans as do we. I was just doing that all these years to see if you were paying attention! You are SO-NOT paying attention. By the way, Laura and I went out last weekend and tried the method explained below (we bought a composting bin from Tipper and Al). We’re making new American soil as we speak (not Brazilian nor Canadian nor Mexican soil, mind you -- this here New soil is American!)
Yours TRULY! G.W.B. (you can stop humming now)
How to use Your IRS Rebate check...
As you may have heard, each of us will be getting a tax rebate check to stimulate the economy. If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China. If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs. If we purchase a computer it will go to India. If we purchase fruits and vegetables it will go to Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car it will go to Japan. If we purchase useless stuff it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy. We need to keep that money here in America. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it at yard sales since those are the only businesses left owned by Americans!! ONE other very American place to spend your check is at establishments where jazz (the only real American Music) is played. You could buy micro-brews…that’s beer brewed by American-micro-brew-beer-brewers OR American
Wine, made by American Whiners (there’s no shortage of them these days). Why there’s a Jazz Establishment (aka Jay’s Bistro) Now!
Tonight (Wed.) 6/23 (7:30) Monster Trux Jazz Trio with special guest Andrew Vogt/sax.
Thursday 6/24 (6:30-10:30) American Guitarist Ron Cottingham and Legal Alien (from planet Zolton) Pianist, Mark Sloniker…exercising his inalienable rights (and lefts)…
Friday 6/25 (8:30) Guitarist Ryan Fourt with Raynes/Sloniker and Matt Smiley/bass - they play a mean “Stars and Stripes Forever”
Saturday 6/26 (8:30) Vocalist Marguerite Juenemann with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano
Remember: Yard sales and Jazz AND God Bless America!
Mark
6/18/08
There are some wonderful musicians appearing at Jay’s Bistro this week. I cordially invite you to catch some great music if you can and stop on by.
Wednesday 6/18 (7:30-10:30) Erik Applegate/bass, Shilo Stroman/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano and special guest Kevin Whalen/trumpet…this will be a lot of fun and some excellent music.
Thursday 6/19 (7:30-10:30) James Anderson/violin and Mark Sloniker/piano…this is a suite duet if ever there was one (I mean two)…check us out! We had so much fun the last time we had to duet again.
Friday 6/20 (8:30-11:30) Sax man Dave Lunn joins the MONSTER TRUX TRIO (Applegate, Stroman & Sloniker) for some jazz with sax appeal.
Saturday 6/21 (8:30-11:30) Denver Songstress Wendy Fopeano wends our way…with Marty Kenny/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano
UPCOMING: Wednesday 6/25 features Andrew Vogt/sax. Friday 6/27 features Ryan Fourt/guitar. Saturday 6/28 Marguerite Juenemann/voice. Come on down and check out some cool jazz at the Bistro! As always, Thanks for Listening!
Mark
6/3/08
We caught Chick Corea, Stanley Clark, Lenny White and Al Demiola last night at the Paramount in Denver. What a wonderful concert and a bit of “a rite of passage” to share this band with my son, Myles. The first time I caught RTF (Return to Forever) was in the late 70s when I was living in Santa Barbara, CA…that was a different incarnation of RTF but fabulous as well. Next time I saw Chick was at the Hollywood Bowl ’79 with Herbie Hancock – two grand pianos two amazing jazz pianists (that was it) and a very different AND fabulous concert as well. Then I saw Chick again in the early 80s at Mackie Auditorium in Boulder with Gary Burton. Vibes and Piano Duo totally different from either of the other gigs JUST as brilliant just as amazing. Last night was my first Demiola, White, Clark and Corea concert and again what a wonderful and unique night of music. Chick has been one of my favorite pianists over the years (at one point 7 out of every 10 records [that’s right vinyl] I put on the player was one of his). So in the middle of the concert my son leans over to me and says “that lick he just played sounds like you and those chords do to and I can see that this guy has really influenced your playing dad. Wow these cats are amazing!”
Concert tickets: $80
Pretzel and 2 bottled waters: $12
Hearing your son say that (above): PRICELESS!
I’ll be playing some music (that sounds like I listened to a lot of Chick records over the years) with some amazing cats at the some cool spots real soon!
Wednesday (tonight) 6/4 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) with Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass, Ron Cottingham/guitar, Mark Sloniker/piano and special guest, Justin Thyme/reeds. This band will groove and swing to your heart’s delight!
Thursday 6/5 (6:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro: Gene Libbea (two time Grammy award winning bassist) with Mark Sloniker (awarded “best piano player in three generations” by his Grannie)! Priceless!
Friday 6/6 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) A fine jazz quartet comprised of Peter Sommer/sax, Erik Applegate/bass and Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker/drums & piano. This group plays quite a few cool original tunes as well as great jazz standards.
Saturday 6/7 Jay’s (8:30-11:30): Soulful Song Stylist Billy Hundley sings with Marty Rein on bass and Mark Sloniker at the keys.
Come on down and we will create a priceless moment (or two) of music and merriment!
Upcoming: Friday 6/13 trumpeter, Kevin Whalen. Saturday 6/14 vocalist, Colleen Crosson. Thursday 6/19 violinist, James Anderson. Saturday 6/21 vocalist, Wendy Fopeano.
5/21/08
Okay, first jazz line-up…then bad puns.
Wednesday 5/21 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro: Gene Libbea/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano with special guest Andrew Vogt/sax
Thursday 5/22 (7-10:30) Jay’s Bistro Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano
Friday 5/23 (8:30-11:30) Jay’s features Dave Lunn/sax, Roger Barnhart/bass, Mark(s) Raynes & Sloniker/drums & piano
Saturday 5/24 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Mary Buirgy/voice. Roger Barnhart/bass and moi
Unfortunately, do to some personnel and logistical dilemmas we have been forced to cancel the June 1st Concert at Jay’s Bistro. If you have already sent me a check for tickets, I will write “void” all over it and send it back to you. Sorry for the change of plans. We hope to reschedule at a later time. So, NO concert 6/1 but YES, live jazz this week at Jay’s Wednesday through Saturday!
Thanks for Listening,
Mark
I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.
Police were called to a day care where a 3-yr-old was resisting a rest.
Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.
The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.
To write with a broken pencil is pointless.
When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.
The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
A thief who stole a calendar got 12 months.
A thief fell & broke his leg in wet cement. He became a hardened criminal.
When the smog lifts in Los Angeles, U.C.L.A.
The dead batteries were given out free of charge.
A dentist and a manicurist fought tooth and nail.
A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft & I'll show you A-flat miner..
The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France, resulted in Linoleum Blownapart
You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
A calendar's days are numbered.
A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine. ('Taint none of it mine lately!!)
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
When you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.
When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis
Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
Acupuncture: a jab well done.
5/16/08
Good news regarding our June 1st Sunday Afternoon at the Bistro Concert! Trumpeter Extraordinaire Hugh Ragin will be on the roster, along with The Monster Trux Trio (Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano). I know the word trio means three, and that third is usually Erik Applegate/bass. It looks as though Erik has another engagement at that time, but is working on connecting us with one of his cohorts at the jazz studies program at UNC. In any event, I can promise you a very inspired set (two sets!) of fine listening jazz in an intimate and casual (and quiet/listening) environment. The music will be superb, and Hugh, because of his busy schedule, hasn’t been able to perform in the Fort for quite a while (so it’s especially exciting to be able to create some inspired toonage with him on this occasion. Tickets are on sale through me or through our concert-care-taker Philip Coggon philipcoggon@comcast.com (Philip has been “instrumental” in supporting this idea…Thanks Philip!). The cost is $15 and they are limited and already going out the door. You will need to make advanced reservations by e-mailing Philip or me, and then sending a check to either of us at the addresses below (You can also get them from me while we’re at the Bistro Wed. through Saturday Nights). There will be a cash bar (hopefully with some light munchies available). I hope you can join us for this new-fun-and-different way to catch some inspired jazz in the Fort! As always thanks for listening!
Mark Sloniker
PO Box 633
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-484-9600
Philip Coggon
7040 E. CR 56
Fort Collins, CO 80524
5/13/08
You know the difference between musicians and municipal bonds don’t you? Municipal bonds mature…and make money! Okay, Okay! Supposedly, the Muse were Zeus’ nine daughters whose job it was to inspire humans in the areas of art and science (and kick butt on the baseball diamond in their off hours and between their musings). It was art and science’s job to make people’s lives and governments more tolerable during their stay in this world.
In-as-much: the Dahli Lama once said, “there is no need for complicated philosophies or fancy temples. Our own hearts are our temples; the philosophy is kindness. A few unfancy temples will be conjuring up the music (muse zic) of a simple philosophy (as best they can) at the following times and locations (strictly for your amusement):
Wednesday 5/14 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) (Thee Original) Monster Trux Trio (Erik Applegate/Mark Raynes/Mark Sloniker) with special guest Justin Thyme (not his real name) but you have seen him wrestle on TV under his wrestling name Giant Stepper. Justin will take on the entire trio (tag team style) in 12 rounds of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” over the changes of “Maiden Voyage”…winner take all! Didn’t the Greeks invent Saturday afternoon TV wrestling?
Thursday 5/15 Jay’s Bistro (7-10:30) Violinist James Anderson is back by popular demand with Mark Sloniker/piano. This dynamic duo will play jazz hits that you’ll go a little batty over (even though they’re just winging it)…a fly-by-night-operation if you’ve ever seen one. No bats will be hurt in the making of this music.
Friday 5/16 Jay’s Bistro sees/hears the return of sax sensation Peter Sommer with that zany Monster Trux Trio (Applegate/Raynes/Sloniker). This is one fine combo (no holds bard [which is a Greek story teller that pulls no punches]) and a great night for jazz AND aMusement! (8:30-11:30)
Saturday 5/17 Jay’s Bistro presents Guitarist Grant Gordy, (who has been performing with bluegrass great David Grisman) and Mark Sloniker/piano with bass man S.O. Teric, who happens to be one artsy cat (which is a mews related to the other muse)! (8:30-11:30)
Upcoming: Saturday 5/24 Mary Buirgy/voice. Friday 5/30 Ryan Fourt/guitar. Saturday 5/31 Wendy Fopeano.
ALSO: A very special listening concert will be taking place at Jay’s Bistro on Sunday June 1st at 3pm. It will feature a special edition of the Monster Trux Trio and a very special out of this world (or at least out of town) guest!!! For tickets and/or more information please go to Philip Coggon at philipcoggon@hotmail.com.
Thanks for listening!
Mark
4/22/08
It was great to see so many of you out at the Taste last Thursday at the Hilton. I heard a “tasty” (as opposed to nasty) rumor that ticket sales approached 500 and that we may have raised $100,000 or more on the event (the numbers are still coming in from the silent auction etc.). Our friends at Neighbor to Neighbor and the Larimer County Food Bank (two such wonderful orgs.) were very happy with the turn out. This was Taste #13 for me and I think I may have hit over 49% of the right notes during our three and a half hour set of continuous tunes…with numbers like that, I could be the next president! Thanks to Colleen Crosson, Chuck Landgraf, Oscar DeZoto, Ron Cottingham, Roger Barnhart and Gene Libbea for giving their time and talent to this event.
On to more tasty tunes for music munching and song savoring…
Wednesday 4/23 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s forays the Monster Trux Jazz Trio (Raynes/Sloniker and Roger Barnhart) with saxophonist Andrew Vogt joining us at 8:30.
Thursday 4/24 Jay’s plays host to Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano (7:30-10:30)
Friday 4/25 Jay’s stays jazzy (no delays) with Dave Lunn/sax, Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (8:30-11:30)
Saturday 4/26 Jay’s is the plays to phase in the ways of arrays of the dazed blazed crazes! Okays? Wendy Fopeano/voice, Cliff Notes/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. Everyone gets a litter ration for the event!
T(h)anks!
Mark
4/9/2008
The proper term for folks getting that gloomy mood when the darkness and cold of winter becomes too much, would be “seasonal depression”. The term that applies to this time of year when Colorado has a winter storm warning out and winter has been over (finito, done, “ciaos-ville”) for almost three weeks…but is making one, in a series of last ditch attempts at spoiling my spring…now the proper term for that is “Seasonal Exasperation”. I mean, enough already! Oh well, if we DO get the 8 inches of snow tonight, then snow-person building contests and hot toddies will be happening on the patio at the Bistro between sets. And during sets, we will play the hottest bloomin’ jazz that’ll make you think you’re in the tropics…bathing suits optional…
Wednesday 4/9 Jay’s Bistro features sweltering hot jazz (7:30-10:30) with Ron Cottingham/guitar, Marty Kenny/bass, Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker drums and keys. Wear your oven mitts.
Thursday 4/10 Jay’s Boiling Hot Bistro Jazz (7-10:30) with Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano…if you can’t stand the heat, then get out of the Bistro!
Friday 4/11 Jay’s Jumpin’ Jazz Jacuzzi (8:30-11:30) with Ryan Fourt/guitar, Marty Kenny/bass, Chuck Landgraf/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano…if they played any hotter, we could boil water.
Saturday 4/12 Jay’s Snow Melting Bistro welcomes Colleen Crosson/cookin’ vocals, Roger Barnhart/burnin’ bass and Mark Sloniker/hot pepper piano. These cats are all steamed up and turning up the heat to boot (8:30-11:30).
Next Week: Kevin Whalen/trumpet, Wednesday 4/16. Andrew Vogt/sax, Friday 4/18. Mary Buirgy/voice, Saturday 4/19. Any discussion regarding jazz at the Bistro will be a heated one!
Mark
4/2/2008
Spring time in Colorado has never been more fun. I have a song called “Reluctant Spring” (a friend commented that the title sounds like a tempramental deodorant soap)…but NO it’s just describing our spunky, moody flip-floppy, diverse spring weather that swing’s from warm glow to snow globe in ten minutes or were those seconds. Spring – like jazz can turn on a dime (to coin a phrase) but this is no time to be confined to quarters when we have the fresh cent of a jazz buck to track through the penny pasta point of no refund. It’s good that change is good!
Wednesday 4/2 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s features the jazz of The Monster Trux Trio (Raynes/drums, Barnhart/bass & Sloniker/piano) with special guest Jim Franzen/sax.
Thursday 4/3 Jay’s Jazz Bistro Lounge fits the bill for the fine tun-age of Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (7-10:30).
Friday 4/4 (8:30-11:30) Jazz @ Jay’s features: Peter Sommer/sax, Marty Kenney/bass and Mark(s) Raynes & Sloniker/drums & piano. This band even plays the spare changes, when they’re on a roll!
Saturday 4/5 (8:30-11:30) The Jazzers @ Jay’s (Billy Hundley/voice, Marty Rein/bass & Mark Sloniker/piano) cash in, sell out and nickel and dime “Fittycent” centlessly…you got to give them credit for that. Everyone is invited to put in their $0.02
You’ll get a charge out of what’s coming up: Wednesday 4/9 features Kevin Whalen/trumpet. Friday 4/11 features Ryan Fourt/guitar. Saturday 4/12 feartures Colleen Crosson/voice. Friday 4/18 features Andrew Vogt/sax. Saturday 4/19 features Mary Buirgy/voice. What a fair fare!
Mark (Henny Penny) Sloniker….’better catch some jazz before the sky “you know whats”…
3/27/2008
Okay, we have some fine spring jazz for your listening pleasure at Jay’s Bistro. In honor of spring, all horn players must play their horns with tulips. The stand-up bass player rose to this occasion and the guitarist is no pansy either. We won’t pedal any of the cheap stuff or soil anyone’s reputation. This is jazz you can dig on without digging up any dirt on anyone or my name is mud. And, even though Chris wrote a lovely anthem, we think it our duty to keep Chris’- Anthem-Mum until we get to the root of the…and if these puns don’t seem to be growing on you, then weed rather not be pulling anything on you, stringing you along or asking you how you’ve bean. Lettuce rejoice more-over in the knowing that fertilizer is our friend, and if we want to get the full poop on the situation, then it is not a waste of time to bury the hatchet and cease any further cutting remarks. After all, this could stem into something…
Thursday 3/27 Jay’s Bisto brings you the fine guitar-man-ship of Mike Davis with Mark Sloniker/piano 7:30-10pm
Friday 3/28 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Trumpeter, Kevin Whalen is joined by Mark Raynes/drums and Michael Buccino/bass and Sloniker/keys to perform some really cool jazz!!!
Saturday 3/29 at Jay’s (8:30-11:30) = Wendy Fopeano/voice, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker at the bloomin’ piano.
Friday 4/04/08 features Peter Sommer/sax. Saturday April 5 features Billy Hundley/voice. Saturday 4/12 features Colleen Crosson/voice.
Coloado’s fickle spring weather can get rough so if you need me, I’ll be garden the flowers!
Mark
3/21/2008
“Hear’s” a quit heads up for some cool jazz this week end and BEYOND…
Tonight, Friday 3/21 Jazz @ Jay’s (8:30-11:30) featuring Guitar-man, Bard Hoff, Bass Man/Gene Libbea, Mark Raynes on drums and Mark Sloniker at the piano…a great way to wind down that wind and catch wind of a tightly wound but not wounded combo (but not a sandwich with fries and a drink).
Tomorrow, Saturday 3/22 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) features the Return of Hugh Ragin/trumpet after a year’s absence with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker at the piano. This band has been banned by the faint of heart but not by the haint of f---- (speaking of wind) we promise not to raise a stink…
Next Week…Ron Cottingham joins up with the Monster Trux Trio, Wednesday 3/26. Mike Davis, Mark Sloniker Duo do a Duover by popular demand on Thursday 3/27. Kevin Whalen/trumpet joins Mark Sloniker Trio for fun on Friday 3/28. Wendy Fopeano joins Sloniker and Friends for fun and far out fugal frolicking on Saturday 3/29.
Happy Spring!
Mark
3/6/2008
Well, Daylight Savings looks to yield a light gain as we close out this first quarter. Although all gains will appear late in the day and the House of The Rising Sun will be left in the black, as if foreclosed upon by that darkest of darkness, occurring just before the dawn (which will be an hour late if you haven’t gotten my making light of the time change by now)…well then set your watches with this.
If you want my two cents about time “change”…they got the spin all wrong on daylight savings. Just as we are gradually seeing a modest net gain in the early returns (to hell with the bulls and the bears…the roosters are UP!), they (being the time change charlatans), like a maniacal Machiavellian mob of mortgage mad meanies, take from the poor early morning risers and give to the rich, warm, late afternoon ne’er-do-well fair weather friends, already basking in solar inside trading. In other words, IT’S THE MORNING WHEN WE NEED THE LIGHT (calm down Mark). The afternoon is already seeing brighter futures. Ever since “daylight savings” was invented in 3,692 B.C. by Ray Lender, the planet’s been on “tilt”. Ray, who also invented the Electoral College, the Dictatorial grammar school AND the Gubernatorial State of Disrepair, is rumored to have helped design human knees, the tax system, and health care.
I say we sell daylight savings even if it puts us in the red…let’s let Mother Nature take back what was hers all along – after all, where daylight is concerned – well the sky’s the limit and a new bright idea may be just beyond the horizon! Jazz will make light of everything in the following times and places:
Thursday 3/6 Jay’s Bistro (7-10:30) Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano trip the (day) light fantastic with a (sun) set of jazz
Friday 3/7 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Guitar man Ryan Fourt plays the daylights out of his guitar, Mark Raynes beats the drum slowly, Marty Kenney walks the bass low(ly) and Mark Sloniker (always in the dark) saves time during the rests!
Saturday 3/8 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Billy Hundley, sings the spheres into their orbits, Gene Libbea, plays circles around Sloniker, who moons all concerned.
Wednesday 3/12 Jay’s (7:30-10:30) Monster Trux Trio with special guest Andrew Vogt/sax!
Saturday 3/15 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Colleen Crosson/sings a little “light” music with Marty Rein/bass and Sloniker/piano
Just like the sun, the music above will be a series of beautiful sets! Ciao, Mark
2/14/2008
Well this week, I have heard from so many of you in regard to lefties and righties etc. I hope I can do justice to all the e-mails sent my way - I may need a hand. This latest piece of info certainly took me by surprise. In the 2002 election, Ross Perot, George Bush Sr. and Bill Clinton were (and I guess still are) all lefties. Many e-mails informed me that “you” throw with your left but bat with your right or write with your right but golf left handed or cut right handed but paste left handed. My bass player friend “Marty” questioned what left or right handed guitar playing was anyhow because it’s the other hand that is really doing the more complex job! Piano playing is similar in nature.
In the end, I guess I got to hand it to you – we are rightly left with a handsome mixture of duo dominant dexterities, delivering us from divisive dualities into the delightful domain of diversity. When the right hand knows (and appreciates) what the left hand is doing we become undefeatable. But let’s save de-feet for next week when more, I’m sure will be handed down to us.
Wednesday 2/13 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) features Monster Trux Trio (Raynes, Barnhart & Sloniker) with special guest Mary Buirgy/voice.
Thursday 2/14 Jay’s Bistro celebrates Valentine’s Day with a solo piano play-athon of 4.5 hours of only songs with the word “love” in them (more or less) – featuring yours truly on the piano. Cupid will be turning pages (6-10:30).
Friday 2/15 Jazz @ Jay’s features Kevin Whalen/trumpet, Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano. This is one fine set of cats, playing from the heart of jazz into the art of jazz (8:30-11:30).
Saturday 2/16 Jay’s welcomes Songstress Colleen Crosson with Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (8:30-11:30).
Upcoming…James Anderson/violin Friday 2/22. Mary Buirgy/voice Saturday 2/23. Peter Sommer/sax Friday 2/29
Either way, I hope a Great Week is on hand for you!
Mark
2/6/2008
I noticed the other day at a televised debate that Barack Obama is a south paw. Likewise, at another presidential debate, John McCain was writing “south paw” as well. What an interesting situation it would be if two lefties were squaring off for the “highest office in the land”. As a lefty myself, I notice these things. Other lefties catch it too! After all we’ve suffered through…like no left handed butter knives or mustache cups…only righty scissors in kindergarten…the word for left in Latin is “sinister” and in French it’s “gauche” (and I have probably misspelled that word because of my “other” brain dominance). How gauche can I get!
Well fellow lefties: we’ve come a long way from sinister or gauche or being fed to the wolves or forced in schools to become righties…and just as soon as we take the oval office, we’re forcing everyone to be lefties…well for at least an hour or two…just so they can see what it feels like. Then, just as soon as we’ve lost all our rights, we’ll demand our rights back because in reality, right handed or left handed - neither’s bad! It’s those under handed people we need to reckon with. No playing softball with them! Just remember – vote left! After all, two wrongs don’t make a right, but three lefts do! (think about it)!
Wednesday 2/6 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) Marty Kenney/left bass…and forward march, Mark Raynes/great drums – hands down, Mark Sloniker (99% of all piano players are both handed) and special guest (what does he mean by “special”) sax man, Andrew Vogt!
Thursday 2/7 Jay’s Bistro (7-10:30) Ron Cottingham/handy on guitar and Mark Sloniker (unhand that man) on piano.
Friday 2/8 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) A first-hand-account of fine jazz: Ryan Fourt/guitar, Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/hand drums and Mark Sloniker/handy man with a high wrist factor!
Saturday 2/9 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Billy Hundley/great vocals…you got to hand it to him, Dr. Forest Greenough/bass (with the hands of a doctor…no, really) and Mark Sloniker, raising his right hand and swearing his attitude is not “defeatist” (or heavy handed) in nature!
Come down! You’ll be in good hands, we promise!
Mark (Hans Christian Anderson) Sloniker
Coming soon: Kevin Whalen/trumpet Friday 2/15. Colleen Crosson/voice Saturday 2/16. James Anderson/violin Friday 2/22. Mary Buirgy Saturday 2/23. Peter Sommer/sax 2/29.
1/30/2008
Dear E-Friends – Since I inadvertently sent this out on Colleen’s e-mail the first time, I didn’t want there to be any confusion, so I’m sending it again, from me! Sorry for duplicates! I DID NOT write this one (“Some Sad News”). But I wish I had…it was forwarded to me by Dave. Thanks Dave, this is really sweet, and I certainly got a RISE out of it!
Some Sad News
Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours. Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions. Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes. If this made you smile for even a brief second, please rise to the occasion and take time to pass it on and share that smile with someone else who may be having a crumby day and kneads it. If you did get a rise out of that and don’t want to loaf around… come hear some really cookin’ jazz…we’ll play an extra long drum ROLL in honor of PDB tonight! It’s the yeast we can do.
Wednesday (tonight) 1/30 Jay’s Bistro hosts our very own Monster Trux Trio (Mark Raynes, Marty Kenney & Sloniker) with special guest, guitar guru Bard Hoff. I moved to Fort Collins 20 plus years ago to join a band with Bard and we toured all over the U.S. and Canada and played some cool venues like opening for Bob James at Red Rocks and Pat Metheny at Toronto Jazz Festival. It was quite a hoot! Join us if you can (7:30-10:30).
Thursday 1/31 Jay’s 6:30-10:30 I think or hope that Gene Libbea is coming by to play some bass (maybe I’d better call him)!? Come by and see if I was right.
Friday 2/1 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Andrew Vogt/saxsational horn man joins Monster Trux Trio (same cats as Wednesday)
Saturday 2/2 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Another long time friend, Wendy Fopeano/voice joins new-time-friend Mike Bucino/bass and me/piano for a fine evening of song!
In honor of Ground Hog Day we will play “The Shadow of Your Smile”.
Other February Dates Include: Andrew Vogt/sax on Wednesday, 2/6. Ryan Fourt/guitar on Friday, 2/8. Mary Buirgy/voice on Wednesday, 2/13. Kevin Whalen/trumpet on Friday 2/15. Colleen Crosson/voice on Saturday 2/16. James Anderson/violin on Friday, 2/22.
As always, Thanks for Listening! mark
1/15/2008
Did you hear the one about this guy who is late for the most important meeting of his life and he’s circling the block of the building that the meeting is to take place in and it’s morning rush hour traffic in down town New York City. The guy’s whole career and future is riding on this meeting and he has just two minutes to park his car and get in there or the whole thing will go down the tubes. So he yell’s out “Dear God if you get me a parking place I swear to you, that I will lead my life from this day forward truly devoted to you! I will always be honest and generous to the poor and kind to every soul I meet and donate huge amounts to charities and never cheat…” And right then as he rounds the corner, miraculously, some one pulls out of a spot right in front of him, right by the doors he needs to go into to make his meeting and secure his future. He pulls into the parking place and yells, “Never mind. I found one!”
If you were looking for some really fine jazz as if your whole life depended on it….you might try looking here;
Wednesday 1/16 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro - The first set is Monster Trux Trio with Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. The second set features sax-maniac, Andrew Vogt. We will, we will rock You! Wednesday nights are generally less crowded than Fridays and Saturdays, and a great time to celebrate that mid-week Miles marker.
Thursday 1/17 (6:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro - Mark Sloniker/piano will be joined by %*^@$*(%&$&%______________________________we interrupt this program to @*&$#^#*&$
And now back to our regularly scheduled program;
Friday 1/18 (8:30-11:30) Trumpet troubadour (and current director of the Greeley UNC Jazz Festival), Kevin Whalen will join Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker /piano. We will feature trumpet tributes to Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Louis Armstrong and Clifford Brown.
Saturday 1/19 (8:30-11:30) Colleen Crosson/voice, Marty Kenney “bass prodigy” and Mark Sloniker “piano probably” will explore some Gershwin, some Cole Porter, some Rodgers and Hart, and some Tom Waits (not necessarily in that [or any] order). Colleen’s got some great new material and I promise to scat sing and play piano at the same time on Take Five if you find me a parking place in the next two minutes.
Wednesday 1/23 features Marty Kenney/bass.
Friday 1/25 features Grant Gordy/guitar.
Saturday 1/26 features Mike Davis/guitar.
Friday 2/1 features Andrew Vogt/sax
Friday 2/8 features Ryan Fourt/guitar.
As far as parking places go: you’re on your own…or are you?
Thanks for Listening! Mark
1/8/2008
It must be an election year because two of my favorite primary colors are being given assigned seating on a map looking strangely like US. Happy New Year by the way, and I don’t want to hit you with any off-color humor too soon (oh heck, why not - it’s already January 8th…this year’s practically shot), but I couldn’t help think…How did the republican party get the color red and how did the democratic party get the color blue and do other parties have their own primary colors too?!
Did these parties choose their color or were they assigned or prearranged to have these colors somewhere in the preamble to the constitution? Or perhaps this is a gray area…or worse yet, perhaps it was a plot by the media to try and get republicans to look “communist” or even worse, “sunburned” and the democrats to look “sad” (eg “the blues”) or even worse “true”.
Next, do the “two parties” possess these colors in perpetuity (you didn’t think I knew that word did you?), or do they pay an annual tax, say, to the Crayola (sounds like “payola”) Corporation? Unless of course these colors have their headquarters outside of the red/blue map area and can therefore give those taxes the “brush-off”.
If a color gets caught bending the light can it get a prism sentence? Are either of these colors affected by other colors (say green for instance), that could make things a bit more colorful (if you want to hear the black and the white of it…)?
I’m thinking of starting a new party that would require two colors – black and blue – and we would decide everything via mosh-pit dancing. And I think we would have a huge impact on the country and each other. When you make an impression on someone in a mosh-pit…it’s a lasting one…until then, why not catch some tunes that are red hot AND true blue…why not…??
Wednesday 1/9 Jay’s Bistro - Our young bass friend from Alaska (via UNC), Marty Kenney, joins Mark Raynes (Montana) on drums, Ron Cottingham (Colorado) on guitar and Mark Sloniker (planet Zolton) on piano (7:30-10:30). This is monster trux mania in its most colorful configuration.
Thursday 1/10 Jay’s welcomes Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano and some special guests who will add color to the state of things!
Friday 1/11 Jay’s jumps for joy with Andrew Vogt/sax, Marty Kenney/bass and Marks Raynes and Sloniker coloring outside the box (at least the 8-pack).
Saturday 1/12 Jay’s greets Mary Buirgy/vocals with Gene Libbea/LaBass and Mark Sloniker/LaTiDo (even though he’s never Fa).
Upcoming gigs feature: Andrew Vogt Wed. 1/16. Kevin Whalen Fri. 1/18. Colleen Crosson Sat. 1/19. Grant Gordy Fri. 1/25
See ya there!
Mark
1/3/08
I just learned on “Star Date” that we are actually closer (by millions of miles) to the sun this time of year than during the summer season. Proximity does not give us warmth…it is rather, having a good angle on things that provides us with these seasons which add color and in the case of winter, character to our global giddy-up! Did the sun get a touch overzealous in her plucky playfulness of planetary pinball; that “tilt” causing our current tilt, hence causing - VOILA’! – four fabulous seasons?? Perhaps my summer-ization is too simple for you to fall for…I’ll spring it on you later)!!! But seriously…
A good spin on things seems to be the rule these days, and what a good thing and marvelous coincidence that the earth spins one good and full turn every twenty four hours (how amazing is that!). If the earth wasn’t the good spin doctor that she is, we might be left in the dark, or even worse - stuck permanently in the day, with the sun making light of us 24-7 (except that there would be no “twenty-four-seven” to experience 24-7 in) AND Cole Porter couldn’t or wouldn’t have written his famous song, unless he was traveling twenty fo- oops I mean traveling ad infinitum on Concord Jets (which don’t even fly anymore) ‘round an un-tilted un-spinning planet…can you say bbbbooorrrrrrriiiiinnnnnnggggggggggg!
The longer the night, the better the jazz. So you better grab some now ‘cause things seem to be getting lighter every day (and night)….
Tonight, Thursday 1/3 Jay’s Bistro features music in the darker keys (a minor improvement) with Forest Greenough/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (7-10:30)
Friday 1/4 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Peter Sommer/sax, Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Sloniker/piano. This is a fine quartet playing all their sets after the sun sets (as opposed to the swing sets).
Saturday 1/5 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Billy Hundley/voice with Gene Libbea/bass and Sloniker/piano. Super fine standards and some really fun R & B to boot!
Thursday 1/10 features Gene Libbea on bass.
Friday 1/11 features Andrew Vogt on sax.
Saturday 1/12 features Mary Buirgy/voice.
Wednesday 1/16 Andrew Vogt is back.
Friday 1/18 features Kevin Whalen on trumpet.
Saturday 1/19 features Colleen Crosson/voice.
Friday 1/25 features Grant Gordy on guitar. Every Wednesday finds the Monster Trux Trio with a special guest 7:30-10:30. If you’re heading for Jay’s Bistro, you’re getting warmer!
Thanks for Listening, Mark
12/28/07
The last week end of 2007 is upon us and we’re having an END-OF-YEAR BLOW OUT a veritable HORN-a-COPIA SALE!!! It’s our Baby It’s Coda Outside – Tag, Your IT!, If you got to get the last note in…make it a c-note! Jay’s Bistro is featuring double bar tenders as the “double bar” of 2007 is closing in for good measure…SALE!!!
Fine’ (feenay) is our Forte as this holiday rallentandos to the Grand Finale of final festivities!!! Drum rolls will be served in place of dinner rolls! Champagne flutes will be replaced with rooty-toot-toot flutes! And the bouillabaisse will be switched out for string bass as we trumpet out the old year and get wind of the new one!!! We will feature two for one quarter notes in cut thyme!
Friday 12/28 Jay’s Bistro is bugling in batches of Bach and Bassie with Dave Lunn/sax, Mike Pahina/bass, Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker drums and piano. They will provide fanfare and fun for all.
Saturday 12/29 Jay’s Bisrto is vying for your attention with the vocal virtuosity of Vendy Vopeano (oops – make that Wendy Fopeano) who will be joined by Mike Pachina bass and Mark Sloniker piano. Wendy can be heard as a “DJ” on KUVO 89.3FM during the week!
New Year’s Eve (Monday) 12/31 Jay’s will be the spot for a wonderful spot of tunes! I’ll start off around 6:30 and play some solo stuff then be joined at 9 (until 1) by the likes of Colleen Crosson (on those awe inspiring) vocals, Brother Bass – Erik Applegate and Oscar (keeper of time and drum) DeZoto!!! We will do our musical tribute to ’07 and announce the new great ’08…so please…don’t be late…don’t hesitate…if your in our state (that would be “joy”)…come on down!
“January Joys” Include: Friday 1/4 Peter Sommer. Saturday 1/5 Billy Hundley. Friday 1/11 Andrew Vogt. Saturday 1/12 Mary Buirgy. Friday 1/18 Kevin Whalen. Saturday 1/19 Colleen Crosson.
As Always, Thanks for Listening!
Mark
12/19/07
Maybe it’s not “global warming” after all but something more loving and caring and, well, maternal. What if our dear mother (earth) who has raised us from pups (or amoebae or protoplasm or ribs..[your choice]) who has seen to our survival, nurturing and suckling us to our current level of human kindness; who has given us [literally] everything-under-the-sun that we’ve asked for; who has bathed us and clothed us and fed us and stayed up with us when we were sick (while in return we’ve [literally] walked all over her, gone to the bathroom on her [welcome to motherhood]…M-A-Y-B-E……she’s so excited that we’ve grown up so much and come SO far…that she’s ready to let go a little and see us off to college (Mars State perhaps)…she’ll even provide transportation on the sweet plume of a volcanic mushroom shaped cloud…or, heck, we can probably even drive ourselves there! After all, now that we’ve got the keys to the car (the “atom-mobile” is the new Pinto) and it’s a pretty straight shot…take a left at the Kieper Belt.
You know, she’s seen us through a lot, and what have we done in return but wreck the couch, break the dishwasher, rip the carpet and put a hole in the entryway hall wall. Maybe these record highs and sudden chills indicate a change-of-life for her and darn-it all, DOESN’T SHE REALLY DESERVE A LITTLE DOWN TIME, a little break (say 50,00 years or so) a little peace and quiet from the incessant needs of her once cuddly and manageable offspring? Some say extinction is natural, and maybe the wooly mammoth and the saber tooth tiger aren’t really extinct…they’ve just gone ahead of us to get our dorm rooms ready (Is there beer on Mars? And intercollegiate sports???). I’ve heard Mars lacks atmosphere but then again, don’t ALL college dorm rooms (at least at first)?
Usually this time of year is a good time to wish “Peace on Earth to All” but perhaps this year perhaps that wish should be more like “Earth to Peace on ALL” - perhaps it’s her turn! See you all at M.U. Raw Raw Ree, Kick Mars in the Knee.
Why not catch a few tunes before we depart (here’s where)…
Wednesday 12/19 Jay’s Bistro play host to Andrew Vogt’s festive jazz b-day party…come wish and SING Andrew a happy b-day and enjoy some tunes of the season with the likes of Forest Greenough/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano…those with “axes” bring one to sit in, on or around (7:30-10:30).
Thursday 12/20 Jay’s Bistro presents Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano playing every sweet seasonal song you’ve ever wanted to hear. Do you hear what I hear? You will if you come on down and make merry with the Elfin Duo (7-10:30).
Friday 12/21 I don’t know what’s going on??? I think we may be closed for a party (call ahead 482-1876).
Saturday 12/22 Jay’s is a veritable workshop of musical toying around with Santa’s Singing Helper- Colleen Crosson/voice, Roger Barnhart/boisterous bass and Mark Sloniker on little toy drums and little tin horns, or something.
Happy/Merry/Feliz!
Mark
12/12/07
Wednesday 12/12 Jay’s Bistro shines with the star power of guitarist Bard Hoff, bassist Dr. Forest Greenough, Mark Raynes/drums and Black Hole refugee Mark Sloniker/piano (playing the black keys only, in a purely accidental fashion) (7:3010:30)
Thursday 12/13 Jay’s features Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark “Twinkle Thumbs” Sloniker on piano 7-10:30
Friday 12/14 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Dave Lunn/sax with Monster Trux Trio (Applegate, Stroman & Sloniker) We’ll be driving a super Nova to the gig!
Saturday 12/15 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Mary Buirgy/voice, Forest Greenough/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Carol Ann’s “Simple Baby Boy”…Christmas Musical Presentation (benefiting Realities for Children) Sunday 12/16 (7pm) for tickets go to Lincoln Center Box Office (concert is at the University Center for Performing Arts).
And to all a good night!
Mark
12/4/07
It’s a brand new day/week/month here (well almost) and probably where you are too, with “the holidays” almost upon us. In the case of Hanukkah I do believe it starts at sundown today and Bodhi Day (Buddhist) is on the 8th. Human Rights Day (a lovely holiday for all you humans out there) is on the 10th and The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic) follows soon after on the 12th. There’s a little break in the holiday happenings until the 19th and 20th when the Islamic holidays Waqfatul-Arafat and Eidul-Adha occur; then December 22nd brings us Yule/Winter Solstice (Pagan). Christmas (Christian) arrives right after that on (you guessed it) the 25th, followed by Boxing Day (U.K. and Canada) and Kwanzaa (African American) on the 26th. New Year’s Eve, while not a holiday, occurs miraculously every year (so far in my life anyway, on the EVE of a holiday…go figure) and then we’re into January, which will bring us a whole new day/week/month AND year… January appears to be a severe under-achiever month as far as holidays go, or maybe it is blessing us with a much needed break from all those festivities of the prior month.
In regard to the contemporary dilemma of what to say to someone this time of year, my guess is that one could wish them a “Happy -----“ then insert whatever Holy Day it is that they celebrate this time of year. Or if you don’t know what holiday it is they celebrate this time of year one could say “Happy Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Human Rights Day, The Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe, Wagfatul-Arafat, Eidul-Adha, Yule, Christmas, Boxing Day, Kwanzaa (and throw in New Year’s Eve if you still haven’t gotten that nod-smile-look-of-confirmation that indicates you have included the holiday they celebrate). OOOORRRRR we might just say “Happy Holiday(s)”!
I think I will opt for the latter (unless you furnish me with prior written notification, the particular one or ones that you would like me to use as we greet or part). I am fine with “Happy Holidays” AND it saves a lot of time, after all it’s a whole new day/week/month and “the holidays” are upon us.
Remember to always take time out for water, laughs, smiles, hugs, joy, good will toward all, chocolate (in moderation of course) and JAZZ. Here’s where to find all of the above!
Wednesday 12/5 Jay’s Bistro 7:30-10:30 Kevin Whalen is our special guest with Marty Kenny on bass and Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker on whatever age appropriate gadgets they can muster up!
Thursday 12/6 Jay’s (6:30-10:30) Mark Sloniker begins the night with his impersonation of Schroeder (A Charlie Brown Christmas) and is joined shortly thereafter by Gene Libbea/bass with his impersonation of a Grammy Award winning Bassist…wait no, he really IS a Grammy Award winning bassist! Gene and Mark would have been separated had they gone to Kindergarten together, but they won’t be on the 6th! Milk and cookies for everyone! Does the fact that my “Grammy” awarded me milk and cookies when I played for her make ME a grammy award winner?
Friday 12/7 Jay’s 8:30-11:30 Grant Gordy (gregarious guitar guru of gargantuan grandeur) gomes to gown (Santa may “sit in” too!...that cat’ll really sleigh you) with the likes of Mark Raynes, Erik Applegate and Mark Sloniker (monster trux trio). This quartet is always a tremendous treat!
Saturday 12/8 Jay’s features Wendy Fopeano (long time friend and wonderful vocalist…with a new CD out) with Marty Kenny/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
This Sunday 12/9 (7:00) I am appearing with Johnsmith and Colleen Crosson at his concert at Avo’s. He is a wonderful singer/songwriter who we’ve known for several years now. Tickets are $17 general admission
Mary Buirgy is with us on Saturday the 15th and Colleen Crosson is with us on Saturday 12/22.
Carol Ann (aka Carol Frazier) has a wonderful Christmas Musical Presentation on Sunday December 16th entitled “Simple Baby Boy”. I will open the concert (at the University Center for the Performing Arts, Griffin Hall) with a solo set and join Carol in her set along with the likes of Dave Beegle (who is absolutely amazing on guitar!) and Larry Thompson (equally amazing on drums/percussion and he also played on my “Perfectly Human” and Do What You Love” CDs) and a fabulous cast too numerous to list here. Tickets available at the Lincoln Center or go to www.simplebabyboy.com for more information. By the way this concert benefits Realities for Children.
Happy Holidays and Happy Trails to all! Mark
11/28/07
Sorry to say I’ve been a bit hit and miss with these e-fomercials regarding upcoming performances lately. And quite a few of you noticed that the usual wise cracks were absent from the last couple of communiqués. Last month, my mom’s health took a turn for the worse and I went back to be with her (and my brother) in the hospice where she spent the last ten days of her life. She passed away in a loving, peaceful place on November 3rd in a very peaceful way and while there is much sorrow in her passing, it is eclipsed exponentially by the joy and sweetness and wit and heartfulness and creative zest that her life embodied, as well as by the gratitude and good fortune I felt for getting to have her as a mom and for our friendship over the years. She was my first piano teacher (and hero), my first reading buddy, and fellow appreciator of all things chocolate! She instilled in me a love of the world and science (and the universe) and learning and exploring, and that general sense of wonder that keeps us curious and excited about being alive. She got me through more of those projects “you have to do” in school than I care to admit (when word of this gets out, my 6th grade diploma may be revoked…as well as my poetic license), although “they” will never stop me from writing the very best and longest run-on, and on and on sentences in the entire history of syntax (and I hear syntaxes may be going up very soon).
My father died (as many of you know) when I was quite young, and my mother never remarried (she said to me that no one had ever made her feel the way he did…if someone had, she would have considered it). So she was a widow for many years, and at the time immediately after her passing, several spiritually intuitive people that I know all reported that the heavens suddenly warmed up a few degrees – so we find comfort that her departure from here marked a happy and long-anticipated reunion!
Dr. Suess, who I consider to be an amazing mystic of sorts once said,”Don’t be sad it’s over – Be glad it happened!” I can only say that I am grateful beyond description that IT HAPPENED and I remain forever changed for the better by her presence in my life.
In her obituary, we have asked if anybody feels like “doing something” in her memory that “that something” go to Hospice of Cincinnati where she was so fabulously well served and honored just prior to her departure. Hospice is an important presence in our society. Any gift to any hospice is a gift to humankind – I was in one of the first hospice volunteer training classes in our community (back in the eighties) and was rewarded phenomenally by the joy of volunteering there.
Now some would say, when someone’s life touches us in the way hers did mine – there is a responsibility (if you will) – that I take that ability and respond by living ever more fully for having been filled with the joy of living by that person.
So with You as my witness (go on - raise your right hand…your right hand)…no wait, it’s me that needs to raise his right hand (your right hand Mark)…”I solemnly and joyfully and sincerely and mischievously promise to put even more joy and sweetness and creative ju ju and fun and frivolity and love in whatever I do – whether it’s playing the piano or playing with my kids or playing with the English (you mean destroying it, as we knew it before you got a hold of it) Language from here on out (or in or around or through) as a direct result of that fabulous lady’s presence in my life!
Ta Da! Thanks Mom! Thanks for everything!
Now more, even cooler music is about to be made by yours truly and others at spots listed below. Please come if you can! And by the way, thanks to all of YOU e-pals and friends alike who enrich my existence through your sweet presence! I am most grateful!
Wednesday 11/28 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) Dr. Forest Greenough/bass, Mike Davis (no relation to Miles ‘cept that he plays with love and inspiration) on guitar and Mark(s) Raynes and Sloniker on various forms of percussion instruments or not.
Thursday 11/29 Jay’s Bistro (6:30-10:30) Sloniker leads off and is soon joined by for Andrew Vogt/sax & Mark Sloniker/bag pipes (or something)
Friday 11/30 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Greeley guitar guru Ryan Fourt joins Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano as they jam joyfully in the name of jazz!
Saturday 12/1 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Vocal Virtue, Billy Hundley hangs with Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano
SUNDAY (12/2) I will be backing our good friend and local singer/songwriter Barbara Clark on her CD release (“She Won’t Wait”) concert at 7pm, Bas Bleu Theatre (401 Pine Street). For tickets, call 970-498-8949 or e-mail basbleu@basbleu.org The concert will likely sell out (seating is limited), so get your tickets soon! Barbara produced this record with our drummer soul friend and long time musical buddy Derf Green, and the concert and disc features music played by the likes of Colleen Crosson, Dave Beegle, Brent Hawley, Derf Green, Our Mothers’ Daughters and more. This should be good!
Jay’s Bistro Friday 12/7 features good guy/guitar guru Grant Gordy (on guitar!). This man is amazing!
Saturday (12/8) Jay’s features vocalist Wendy Fopeano!
Sunday 12/9 I will back Johnsmith at a 7pm Avo’s show with Colleen Crosson. Tickets are available at the Finest now and at Avo’s a week before the show. More info at Quantum Arts, 970-493-3080
Saturday 12/15 Mary Buirgy is at Jay’s!
Sunday 12/16 I will play the opening set at the Carol Ann “Simple Baby Boy” CD release concert in Griffin Hall at the University Center for the Performing Arts, 1400 Remington St., Fort Collins. This is a multicultural, choreographed Christmas musical presentation (say THAT 3 times fast) benefiting Realities for Children, and also features Dave Beegle, High Performance Dance Theatre, and students from the CO Academy of the Arts. It promises to be quite an extravaganza! Tickets are $15 and are available at the Lincoln Center Box Office, by phone at 970-221-6730, or at the door. My opening solo piano set is on their fabulous Steinway Concert Grand!
Whew!! Quite a lot going on this holiday season! Enjoy yourselves, whatever you do, and (as always), thanks for listening!
Mark
11/06/07
We are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful array of talented musicians in our midst this week making jazz @ jays.
Wednesday 11/07 (7:30-10:30) Marty Kenney/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Kevin Whalen/trumpet, Mark Sloniker/piano.
Thursday 11/08 (7-10:30) Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Friday 11/09 (8:30-11:30) Erik Applegate/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Dave Lunn/sax and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Saturday 11/10 (8:30-11:30) Marguerite Juenemann/vocals Bill/bass and Mark/piano.
As always, thanks for listening,
Mark
10/17/07
Who’d a’ guessed that those Rockies would sweep those Diamondbacks? (they seemed a little rattled…..). In honor of the occasion, we’ll be playing many different jazzed up versions of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” this week, and reading everything off of grand stanzas from our Bach’s seats where we will be praying for warm dry evenings!
Wednesday (Tonight!) 10/17 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano play home team to visitor (and special Wednesday night guest) Kevin Karrick/guitar.
Thursday 10/18 Jay’s 7-10:30 Mark Sloniker/piano and Mike Davis/guitar (who joins Mark a little later) will score with numerous jazz hits with striking resemblances to hit singles of last season…?
Friday 10/19 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Peter Sommer/sax, Mark Raynes/drums, Erik Applegate/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano play alphabetical jazz to the letter of the law…excluding any vowel movements which may cause a delay of game.
Saturday 10/20 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Vocalist Colleen Crosson root-root-roots for the Home Team (provided that the game is in Denver) and Gene Libbea and Mark Sloniker/piano are the designated heavy hitters for the game.
Coming Up at the Bistro:
Wednesday 10/24 (7:30-10:30) features Kevin Whalen/trumpet.
Thursday 10/25 (8-10) features Andrew Vogt/sax
Friday 10/26 (8:30-11:30) features Dave Lunn/sax
Saturday 10/27 (8:30-11:30) features Mary Buirgy/voice and Gene Libbea/bass
Sunday Night 7pm Colleen Crosson and Mark Sloniker perform in concert at Unity Church with special guest appearances by Gerald Gates, Cory Carroll and Myles Sloniker! For more info e-mail us here or call Unity 482-1620. This is a wonderful concert setting with songs of the Harvest and Thanksgiving season!
As always, thanks for listening!
Mark
10/02/07
Greetings! I may have sent this one a while back… but there have been some new arrivals at the bottom (see 19-21). What’s a group of ____ called?? How many can you get?
1-jellyfish
2-toads
3-gorillas
4-greyhounds
5-crocodiles
6-woodpeckers
7-turtles
8-herons
9-ravens
10-ferrets
11-owls
12-colts
13-finches
14-elks
15-frogs
16-moles
17-doves
18-who cares?
19-jazz piano players
20-jazz drummers without girl friends
21-rich jazz musicians
Okay, that gets us up to date on “groups of_____.” Now for some tunes!
Wednesday 10/3 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) A bodacious bevy of bistro boppers will gather…Mark Raynes/drums, NEW ARRIVAL – Marty Kenney on bass, special guest Mike Davis on guitar and Mark Sloniker tickles a “clown car of keys”!
Thursday 10/4 Jay’s Bistro presents Forest Greenough (plucking a quiver of strings) while Mark Sloniker meanders through an avalanche of accidentals (7-10:30).
Friday 10/5 Jay’s Bistro broadcasts a cavalcade of creative kooks, including Ryan Fourt/guitar, Mark Raynes/drums, Erik Applegate/ bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Saturday 10/6 Jay’s Bistro presents a trio of tuneful troubadours performing a plee-ay of picturesque pieces…Marty Kenney/bass, Ryan Fourt/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano (8:30-11:30).
A gaggle of gigs gather on the gang plank…Friday 10/12 features Kevin Whalen/trumpet. Saturday 10/13 features Wendy Fopeano/voice. Friday 10/19 features
Peter Sommer/sax. Saturday 10/20 features Colleen Crosson/voice. Saturday 10/27 features Mary Buirgy/voice.
A thermidor of thanks for listening!
Mark
09/18/07
Because of the improvisational nature of what we do musically, the following performances are the last chance (and, oh yeah, the only chance) to hear this cool music:
The very fun loving and talented trumpeter, Kevin Whalen will be with us this Wednesday at Jay’s to play a special set of tunes by trumpeters, featuring selections by Clifford Jordan, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan and Miles Davis. Kevin will bring some of his favorites for this “once in a lifetime” gig and hopefully regale us with some anecdotes regarding these tunes and their creators. That’s Wednesday 9/19 at Jay’s Bistro – The Monster Trux Trio starts at 7:30 with selections from famous Trios of the 60s, 70s and 80s, and Mister Whalen joins in from 8:30 until 10:30. This unique performance will never happen again.
Thursday 9/20 At 6:30 I will do an hour of solo renditions of my own tunes plus a few favorites (that I wished I had written), and then at 7:30 vocalist Colleen Crosson will join me (it’s actually quite easy to join me – membership is free) with an intimate set of duo favorites ranging from classic jazz standards to heavy metal rock ballads to folkish beauties by Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan and Tom Waits. Okay I made up the part about the heavy metal rock ballads, but even the folkish tunes will be performed in a jazzish never-to-be-repeated-ever-again format – so don’t miss this once in a lifetime (perhaps even several lifetimes) performance at Jay’s Bistro.
Friday 9/21 Thee “last chance – only chance” performances veer to the guitar-sublime-extreme-nature when Guitar Guru Grant Gordy grants gregarious guests great gobs of guaranteed genuine g-string genius. (It’s good to see my enrollment at the Ethel Hemmingway Correspondence School of Creative Writing was money well spent!)
Also appearing (a little less alliterately, or should that be illiterately) - bass man Marty Kenny, drummer Mark Raynes and yours truly at the piano. Last chance – only chance – Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30)!
Saturday 9/22 Jay’s serves up never-to-be-repeated-performances by vocalist Colleen Crosson, bassist Gene Libbea and existentialist Mark Sloniker. A transcendent performance is guaranteed (8:30-11:30) - last chance only chance.
So please take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at Jay’s, your exclusive “last chance – only chance” venue!
Mark
09/06/07
Some jumpin’ jivin’ bebopportunities abound in September and one in particular happens on Sunday September 16th (I think 7pm) when the Monster Trr>Trio (Mark Raynes/drums, Erik Applegate/bass & Mark Sloniker/piano) join actor and wordsmith extraordinaire Jim Heaton for a fine set of spoken word jazz with piano bass drums & vocal chords jammin’ on the writings of Langston Hughes, Jack Kerouac (this year marks the 50 year anniversary of the publication of his book “On The Road”), Jim Heaton and Mark Sloniker. This music is brought to you by the Front Range Chamber Players. We will be performing this set as the second half of this, their season debut concert and should be a wonderful and adventuresome night of music. If you are interested drop me an e-line and I will get you more info or go to Spsalunit@aol.com and inquire there. The neat and wacky stuff at the bottom of this e-mail was sent to me by Mary B. and gets all of us who had a hard time with English in school, off the hook! Check it out. Meanwhile more bebopportunities are boppin’ boisterously below.
Thursday 9/6 Jay’s Bistro (7-10:30) Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano rome the jazz repertoire for run on sentences and any thing else that resembles a period piece lacking therein a period, comma, question mark and seem to go on and on and on and….(well you get my draft…drift)…
Friday 9/7 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Peter Sommer/sax helps hearken in the fall with a seasonal tribute to the letter “d” or is it “e” this week (Bistro jazz goes Sesame Street)(we’re big on bird) with Mark Raynes/drums, Marty Kenney/bass and Sloniker/piano OR has the letter of the law been put under a spell.
Saturday 9/8 Jay’s (8:30-11:30) Mary Buirgy/voice sings like a bird while Roger Barnhart plays bass like a bass and well lets just say there’s something fishy about that Sloniker on piano (who can tune a piano but can’t tuna fish) unless of course he’s making scale…which reminds me of the joke: What did the single gal say to the single guy at the singles bar? She said, “You realize that I’m strictly catch and release!”
”Catch” you latter! Mark
Upcoming bebopportunities: Andrew Vogt guest sax Wednesday 9/12. Dave Lunn sax Friday 9/14. Grant Gordy/guitar Friday 9/21. Colleen Crosson/voice Saturday 9/22. Billy Hundley/voice Saturday 9/29.
I do remember teaching my students that the English language had no rhyme nor reason since it derived its roots in so many languages. English as it is spoken in America is one example of how much a "Melting Pot" we, as a nation, really is! You Think English is Easy??? Can you read these right the first time?
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.
PS. - Why doesn't "Buick" rhyme with "quick"
There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is "UP."
It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?
We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car. At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.
And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.
We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP
When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP.
When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.
One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP , for now my time is UP, so........... it is time to shut UP .....! Oh . . . one more thing:
What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night? U - P
08/21/07
FRIENDLY WARNING! The following e-mail may contain offensive material. I apologize to anyone who shrinks from this and certainly hope there are no hard feelings….
I don’t know about you, but these “male enhancement” etc…e-ads are bombarding us in numbers that are larger and larger and taking longer and longer to DELETE! I’ve never been big on this kind of advertising and frankly our spam filters are NOT doing the trick. We’ve had to resort to these new sperm filters to block out what may best be described as a growing concern! Frankly it’s inconceivable why internet laws don’t go harder on these crass offenders! Oh well, maybe we can put a spin on this and use it for our own personal gain (speaking strictly, for the private sector)…
Wednesday 8/22 Jay’s Bistro (482-1876) Monster Trux Trio (Raynes/Barnhart/Sloniker) with Bard Hoff (guest guitar) playing from 7:30-10:30. All our sets will be 30% longer and the material we’ve selected for the evening is 40% harder than anything we’ve ever done.
Thursday 8/23 Jay’s Bistro 7-10:30 Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will rise to the occasion and perform extended versions of the Beatles “Long and Winding Road” and Dan Fogelberg’s “Longer Than”. For songs lasting more than four hours, contact a music therapist, allegro.
Friday 8/24 Jay’s Bistro 8:30-11:30 Guitarist Grant Gordy (and don’t we all know that the electric guitar is the ultimate symbol for maleness) will play extended guitar solos (on eeleven [it’s one louder] in the company of Mark Sloniker/ivory tickler, Erik Applegate/baser instinct instrumentalist and Mark Raynes (who will hit on drums and anyone who gets too close to them). The band will play only augmented chords tonight!
Saturday 8/25 Jay’s Bistro 8:30-11:30 Colleen Crosson/vocalist and Roger Barnhart/bassist join up with Mark Sloniker/pianist [the most carefully pronounced instrumentalist in jazz enhancement] to play music at a larger volume (or should we say, “on a much bigger scale”) than ever before attempted by a three piece.
Upcoming events include: Friday 8/31 the band adds-on John Olson to the roster! Saturday 9/1 features vocalist Wendy Fopeano!
Re-member - side effects of staying away from “Jazz Enhancement” may include itchy ears, rotting piano stool, shrinkage of vital organs (especially Hammond B-3s)!
Thanks for Listening and don’t stay away too long!
Mark
08/16/07
A quick addendum to this “note” (sent out yesterday)…at Peace in The Park I am playing with vocalist Mary Buirgy, bassist Erik Applegate and trombonist John Leisenring. Thanks
08/15/07
That’s right friends…it’s our Bach to school Sales Event for all jazz in stock! Whole notes at half note prices, half notes at quarter note prices…quarter notes at eighth note prices….eighth notes…We’re GIVIN’ ‘EM AWAY!!! Savings you can’t Handel…we’re going for Baroque and Hayden extra values in every deal to heal what’s sonata with YOU! Compose yourselves for good measure and Bar none you can count on us and rest assured that this is not just idle Bartok…no no you’ve struck a chord with us and we will promise you harmony and the suite sensation of ending on a good note! In the mean time…here’s where to get the major savings…
Thursday 8/16 Jay’s Bistro features Ron Cottingham/guitar and Mark Sloniker/piano featuring a certain amount of notoriety in their playing (7-10:30) These guys play like twin son (duets) of different key centers (that’s GOOD) honest!
Friday 8/17 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) That wacky trio operating under the strange identity of “Monster Trux Trio” joins forces with saxophonist Andrew Vogt for some jazz frivolity which delivers volume discounts for this Count Bassie who may be Duke-ing it out for miles in every direction!
Saturday 8/18 I will be doing a most wonderful concert set at “Peace in the Park” at Loveland’s Civic Center Park/Foote Lagoon from 1:45 until 2:30pm. Other appearances will be made by Wendy Woo and Jeff Stephenson go to www.peaceinthepark.org for more details. This should be a great day!!! Come join us!!!
Saturday 8/18 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Fabulous jazz with violinist James Anderson and bassist Forest Greenough and me on the piano (Mark Sloniker) this should be good! Okay?!!??$%&*()^
Good luck!
Mark
08/07/07
Okay, here are some of THEE BEST Signs I’ve ever seen. I did not make these up Thanks Bob, for sending them to me! Best Signs:
Sign over a Gynecologist's Office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels."
On a Septic Tank Truck: Yesterday's Meals on Wheels
At a Proctologist's door: "To expedite your visit please back in."
On a Plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
On another Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.."
On a Church's Billboard: "7 days without God makes one weak."
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: "Invite us to your next blowout."
At a Towing company: "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts."
In a Nonsmoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push."
At an Optometrist's Office: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
On a Taxidermist's window: "We really know our stuff."
On a Fence: "Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!"
At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."
Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
At the Electric Company "We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be."
In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry, Come on in and get fed up."
In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait."
At a Propane Filling Station: "Thank heaven for little grills."
And don't forget the sign at a Chicago Radiator Shop: "Best place in town to take a leak.
Sign at Jay’s Bistro Jazz Lounge: We play everything in C! Any other notes are purely accidental!
Here’s what’s up at the Bistro:
Wednesday 8/8 (7:30-10:30) Roger Barnhart/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker on keys with special guest Andrew Vogt/sax. All noteworthy (no I did not mean NOT-worthy) players. Try and compose yourselves, people, before this whole thing falls on a deaf ear!
Thursday 8/9 (7-10:30) Dr. Forest Greenough/bass, (not-a-Dr.) Mark Sloniker/piano will Duo unto others as U2 would do unto themselves!? Guitarist and former Fort C. musician, Bruce Balmer (and his wife, Lisa also a musician) may be sitting in with us during the evening. I double-duo-dare U2 (oh) to come down! Actually I’m a big Bono (is that one O or two O?) fan.
Friday 8/10 (8:30-11:30) Master (recent recipient of a master’s degree) Dave Lunn on sax, with Dr. (less recently awarded a PhD.) Forest Greenough on bass and Mark L. Sloniker III (recently given the third degree)/piano and Mark Raynes, drummer to the Nth degree.
Saturday 8/11 (8:30-11:30) Wendy Fopeano (as opposed to Faux-piano) on vocals with Roger Barnhart on bass and Mark Sloniker/faux-piano - faux your information.Quite honestly the piano is real, where as the piano player is surreal.
Jay’s is cool and so is the jazz so come on down!
Thanks for listening,
Marco..Polo....Marco....Polo...........Mark oh!
07/25/07
OKAY, My friend (we’ll call him) Bob (not his real name) (unless of course he wants us to use his real name…in which case it most assuredly IS BOB…Bob Johnson…unless he wanted us to use his first name but NOT his last…in which case it most assuredly IS Bob Something-else…which reminds me of the Doctor who says to his patient Bob… “Bob (not his real name) (unless of course he wants us to use his real name…in which case it most assuredly IS BOB…Bob Johnson…unless he wanted his first name used but NOT his last…in which case it most assuredly IS Bob Something-else” he says, (the Doctor, that is [whose first nor last name will be used at this time) so the Doctor says “Well Bob” (not that Bob IS entirely well OR is NOT entirely well as we cannot comment on Bob’s (if that were indeed his actual name which may or may not be the case) physical health at this time. But, hypothetically speaking (as opposed to: hypodermically speaking [stop needling me]…The Doctor says to, you-know-who after examining him…”After examining you, Bob, I think it’s your gal bladder! Unless of course you insist on a second opinion in which case I’m going to say, kidneys!”
Oh well some of the little gems below may be re-runs, some not: but all the notes at all the gigs listed there after will be brand spankin’ new…unless of course you would prefer previously played notes in which case….
Idle Thoughts of a piano player who’s name may or may not be Mark
I had amnesia once -- or twice.
Do protons have mass?? I didn't even know they were Catholic.
All I ask is a chance to prove that money can't make me happy.
If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.
What is a "free" gift? Aren't all gifts free?
They told me I was gullible and I believed them.
Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home, and when he grows up, he'll never be able to merge his car onto the freeway.
Experience is the thing you have left when everything else is gone.
One nice thing about egotists .. they don't talk about other people.
My weight is perfect for my height ... which varies.
I used to be indecisive. Now, I'm not sure.
The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.
How can there be self-help groups?
If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?
Show me a man with both feet firmly on the ground, and I'll show you a man who can't get his pants off.
Is it me, or do buffalo wings taste like chicken
Tuesday July 24th - a new gig at a new spot: Colleen Crosson (which may or may not be her real name) and I will be at the Stone House Grille tonight from 7-10pm (125 S. College).
Wednesday 7/25 Colleen Crosson/voice along with Eric Thorin/bass, Andrew Vogt/sax, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/keyboard will perform at the CSU Lagoon (that’s one block south of Laurel and Loomis on the CSU campus). This should be a very fun concert with a wide variety of music being featured!!! (6:30-8:30)
Thursday 7/26 Jay’s Bistro (135 W. Oak, 482-1876) Ron Cottingham/guitar and Thelonius Sloniker/piano will jam from 7:30-10:30
Friday 7/27 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Dave Lunn/sax, Gene Libbea/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Little Stevie Sloniker/piano
Saturday 7/28 Jay’s features Mary Buirgy/voice, Marty Rein/bass and Elvis Sloniker/piano
Thanks for listening!
Mark
07/17/07
Where improvisation is concerned, well, we’ve been winging it for years. But no matter how disarming “winging it” might be, we promise not to try and pull your leg about it. We’re totally sticking our necks out on this one because you’re far too hip and soulful to undermind, especially with the overhead we spend. You got to hand it to us on that matter, going out on a limb to make great jazz no matter what the wrist! This is not just some knee jerk reaction to things. That’s about the thighs of it although…who really nose. Let’s see how those Doctors are about winging it…
THE NEW WING
When a panel of Doctors was asked to vote on adding a new wing to their hospital, the Allergists voted to scratch it and the Dermatologists advised no rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the administration had a lot of nerve, and the Obstetricians stated they were all laboring under a misconception.
The Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted; the Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body", while the Pediatricians said, "Grow up!"
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, the Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Radiologists could see right through it!
The Physicians thought it was a bitter pill to swallow; and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists felt the scheme wouldn't hold water.
The Anesthetists thought the whole idea was a gas and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists left the decision up to some Asshole in Administration.
Thanks to Mr. B. for that “New Wing” segment
Stay abreast of all the jazz right here…
Wednesday 7/18 (7:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro features the Monster Trux Trio (Raynes, Applegate & Sloniker) with special guest sax man Andrew Vogt.
Thursday 7/19 7:30-10:30 Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano bare their souls and have the stomach to play it all by heart!
Friday 7/20 (8:30-11:30) Jay’s Bistro features trumpeter, Kevin Whalen with the Monster Trux Trio (see above Wed.)
Saturday 7/21 (8:30-11:30) vocalist Wendy Fopeano with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
CSU Lagoon Concert – Wednesday 7/25 (6:30) features Colleen Crosson/voice, Andrew Vogt/sax, Mark Raynes/drums, Eric Thorin/bass and Sloniker/keys. This is my favorite outdoor venue with grass and trees (shade) so bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a pic-a-nic basket (as Yogi Bear would say) and come on down!
Friday 7/27 Features Dave Lunn/sax and Gene Libbea/bass with Raynes and Slon too!
Saturday 7/28 Features Mary Buirgy/voice
Don’t be a stranger! Ya hear?
Mark
06/29/07
A lady was smoking a cigarette while pumping gas at the gas station when her arm caught fire. When the police arrived they shot her for waving a firearm.
"If I had more time, I would write a shorter letter." --Mark Twain
Thanks to K.F. for those lines above! OOPS I forgot to send the mail out!$*&#(^* Big apologies!
Here's the scoop...
June 29 Friday Jay's Bisrto (8:30-11:30) Andrew Vogt/sax, Erik Applegate/bass Marks Raynes and Sloniker on drums and piano
Saturday June 30 (8:30--11:30) Trombone Ace, John Leisenring with Gene Libbea/bass ace and Mark Sloniker piano joker
Sorry for the late notice!
Come on Down!
Mark
06/19/07
If you think converting inches to millimeters and feet to meters (I happen to have two left meters) much less Myles into kilometers (my son Myles will never fit evenly into kilometers)…probably mostly because I’VE never measured up…Well Jazz is almost impossible to play metrically without this handy conversion chart (see below) BUT we’ll be trying, bar none, you can count on us to beat the system, even if it takes our whole staff…complete with female vocalist…wait ‘til you meter. In the mean time head this way for some jazz and we’ll reserve you a (conversion) table for four (better make that 3.7) or we can seat you 8 to the bar.
A "Punny" Conversion Table
a. Ratio of an igloo's circumference to its diameter = Eskimo Pi
b. 2000 pounds of Chinese soup = Won ton
c. 1 millionth of a mouthwash = 1 microscope
d. Time between slipping on a peel and smacking the pavement = 1 bananosecond
e. Weight an evangelist carries with God = 1 billigram
f. Time it takes to sail 220 yards at 1 nautical mile per hour = Knotfurlong
g. 16.5 feet in the Twilight Zone = 1 Rod Sterling
h. Half of a large intestine = 1 semicolon
i. 1,000,000 aches = 1 megahurtz
j. Basic unit of laryngitis = 1 hoarsepower
k. Shortest distance between two jokes = A straight line
l. 453.6 graham crackers = 1 pound cake
m. 1 million-million microphones = 1 megaphone
n. 2 million bicycles = 2 megacycles
o. 365.25 days = 1 unicycle
p. 2000 mockingbirds = 2 kilomockingbirds
q. 52 cards = 1 decacards
r. 1 kilogram of faling figs = 1 FigNewton
s. 1000 milliliters of wet socks = 1 litersen
t. 1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche
u. 1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin
v. 10 rations = 1 decoration
w. 100 rations = 1 C-ration
x. 2 monograms = 1 diagram
y. 4 nickels = 2 paradigms
z. 2.4 statute miles of intravenous tubing at Yale University Hospital = 1 IV League
Jazz Here:
Wednesday June 20th (7:30-10:30) Jay’s Bistro: Monster Trux Trio (Raynes/drums, Barnhart/bass and Sloniker/keys) with Bard Hoff/guitar
Thursday June 21st (7-10:30) Jay’s Bistro with Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. All English selections will be performed on the other side of the lounge.
Friday June 22nd (8:30-11:30) Jay’s Bistro with Grant Gordy/guitar, Eric Thorin/bass, Mark Raynes/drums and Mark Sloniker/piano. All compositions of Australian composers will be played upside down.
Saturday June 23rd (8:30-11:30) Jay’s Bistro features vocalist Mary Buirgy, bassist (he plays exclusively in bass nine) Gene Libbea and pianist Mark Sloniker (he plays only the “C-notes”). Tonight the band tip jar will only accept Euros. No, actually we will accept any currency as we are a non-denominational band or should that be omni-denominational…well you know, whatever fits the bill.
Join us Friday 6/29 at the Bistro when our featured guest will be saxophonist Andrew Vogt
CSU Lagoon Concert on Wednesday July 25th (at CSU Lagoon) features Mark Sloniker Quartet with Colleen Crosson!!! This is a not-to-be-mist concert (unless of course they forget to turn the sprinkler system off!
Thanks to “Bob” for the Punny Conversion Table (I did not make that up although I certainly would have gone to any length to…)
Mark
06/05/07
What follows are some wonderful and wacky witticisms sent to me by my pal JT (thanks JT). I thought I'd pass them on to you along with the jazz update and "haps" at Jay's Bistro etc...here goes
Wednesday 6/6 Jay's Bistro features the original Monster Trux Trio line up (Raynes/Applegate/Sloniker with guitar man Mike Davis (on guitar). The trio starts at 7:30 with Davis joining in at 8:30...this will be fun!
Thursday 6/7 Jay's Bistro features bass man Gene Libbea with Sloniker on the keys 7-10:30. We try to arrange some Beatles tunes on the spot each time we play together.
Friday 6/8 Jay's Bistro (8:30-11:30) Dave Lunn/sax with those zany Monster Trux Trio cats... (Raynes/Applegate/Sloniker).
Saturday 6/9 Jay's Bistro (8:30-11:30) Colleen Crosson/voice with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Upcoming gigs:
Wednesday 6/13 features saxophonist, Andrew Vogt!
Saturday 6/16 features vocalist, Billy Hundley!
Friday 6/22 features guitarist, Grant Gordy!
Saturday 6/23 features vocalist Mary Buirgy!
Now on to those lovely witty lines (thanks for listening! Mark)
1. A day without sunshine ....... is like night.
2. On the other hand........ you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics ....... are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers ..... give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know ...........are below average.
6. He who laughs last.......... thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely ..............anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm......... but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria.......... They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is ..............usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable.............. except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares............ try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? ........ Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed ..................of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way.............. you're in the wrong lane
16. Hard work pays off in the future...........Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be .............. without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar................. but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines
19. What happens if you get scared half to death............ twice?
20. Why do psychics .......... have to ask you for your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering......... What the heck happened ?"
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't . suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound............... That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
05/30/07
Here’s the jazz line-up this week starting tonight…
Wednesday May 30th Jay’s Bistro welcomes our special guest Frim Janzen/sax and bassoon with your favorite jazz knuckleheads Monster Trux Jazz (Raynes/Applegate/Sloniker) those zany stooges of syncopation are back with their old Nordic bud Frim (7:30-10:30)!
Thursday May 31st Jay’s hosts guitar natural, Ron Cottingham and Mark Sloniker (who plays all sharps and flats accidentally).
Friday June 1st Jay’s harkens in…Peter Sommer’s last spring Bistro appearance (though you’re probably not falling for that) and the winter’s for “best rhythm section tolerating a punster on piano” are Monster Trux Trio (see Wednesday Night for details).
Saturday June 2nd Jay’s Bistro beckons forth with the bright vocal ease of Wendy Fopeano, with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Upcoming: Dave Lunn/sax Friday 6/8. Colleen Crosson/voice Saturday 6/9. Andrew Vogt/sax, Wednesday 6/13. Billy Hundley/voice, Sat. 6/16. Grant Gordy/guitar, Friday 6/22. Mary Buirgy/voice, Saturday 6/23
Happy Trails!
Mark
05/23/07
Howdy E-Pals. I am at this moment, in Cincinnati Ohio (my home town) celebrating the Cincy Reds 8-7 victory (after being down by 6 runs) over the Washington Nationals, Yay!...and visiting my family (double yay). So here’s the quick look at jazz @ jay’s this week and I promise a double dose of “b-rated [b-for bad]-humor” next week.
Wednesday 5/23 Jay’s presents bbb-bad to the bone, monster trux jazz trio (Mark Raynes, Erik Applegate, Mark Sloniker) with sax super sleuth Andrew Vogt (7:30-10:30). This night will feature some brand new tunes (or recently refurbished releases).
Thursday 5/24 Jay’s brings to the stage (well, kind of a stage) Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (7-10:30) Great fun featuring Beatles tunes in renditions you’ve never heard of before.
Friday 5/25 Jay’s welcomes Trumpet guy Kevin Whalen with the Monster Trux Trio (our pal Kevin just got his masters from UNC so let’s give him a jazzy pomp and circumstance jamming jaunt). 8:30-11:30
Saturday 5/26 Jay’s is the plays for vocalist Mary Buirgy with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/keys 8:30-11:30.
As always, thanks for listening! Mark
05/15/07
My friend Gloria (not her real name…or maybe it is and I’m just saying it isn’t) sent me these “Dear God” letters from kids (they are either kids or really advanced jazz musicians). At any rate they are pretty sweet, so I’m sending them along to you…but first some jazz announcements that will be happnin’ around here soon…God willing.
Wednesday 5/16 Jay’s Bistro (7:30-10:30) Our new graduate (from UNC, we’re so proud of him!) Adam Trachsel makes one of his last Colorado appearances before moving to Portland Oregon (at least that what he says he’s doing) this summer, performs with Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano and special guest Mike Davis/guitar. David may sit in on harp (but “don’t nobody go callin’ it” a lyre or we’re all goin’ to “you know where”)!
Thursday 5/17 Jay’s Bistro (7-10:30) guitar wonder man Ron Cottingham doesn’t fret the small stuff while piano man Mark Sloniker delivers a key note address, in the spirit of things, just for good measure!
Friday 5/18 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Guitar appreciation week GOES TO EELEVEN TOINTE with the likes of Bard (Rock the House) Hoff on E-lectric guitar and Oscar Dezoto/drumming and Erik Applegate/basing (everything on divine intervention) and Mark Sloniker preying on the accidentals, the incidentals and anyone with dental.
You know “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth etc…or maybe a root canal for a Christmas party”.
Saturday 5/19 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) Kevin Karrick/on guitar, Adam Trachsel/ is he still here (on bass) and Mark Sloniker (is he still: Not-All-Here) on piano, play an evening of hits from Genesis (get it!). We’ll also do a mean version of the Byrds, “Turn Turn Turn”!
Next week: Wednesday 5/23 features Andrew Vogt/sax. Thursday 5/24 = Gene Libbea/bass. Friday 5/25 features Kevin Whalen/trumpet. Saturday 5/26 features Mary Buirgy/voice.
Thanks for listening! Mark
05/09/07
This little "Love Story" came my way by R.K. (I did not make it up).
A LOVE STORY
My question comes from an older pop song... "What's love got to do with it???"....
Did I tell you that I got kicked out of music school for plagiarizing... And all I was doing was taking notes!
We'll be taking and giving notes at the times and places below:
Wednesday 5/9 Jay's Bistro (7:30-10:30) Monster Trux Trio (Raynes/Applegate/Sloniker) perform with special guest Ron Cottingham/guitar We'll play "Stolen Moments"
Thursday 5/10 Jay's Bistro (7-10:30) Bassist Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano will play "Take Five" and then give it back!
Friday 5/11 Jay's Bistro (8:30-11:30) Drummer, Shilo Stroman joins Adam Trachsel/bass and Andrew Vogt/sax with Sloniker searching for his keys. As Adam is graduating from UNC this month he will soon "take" his leave for Portland OR so come by and wish him a fond farewell! We've been most taken with him.
Saturday 5/12 Jay's Bistro (8:30-11:30) Colleen Crosson "takes" the stage, Roger Barnhart takes up the bass and Sloniker (while not a whole can of them) takes a pea...I mean a pi-ano in search of his forte.
Join us, if you can!
Thanks,
Mark
05/02/07
Here's a synopsis of my search for gainful employment before getting hired on at Jay's Bisrto as (J.S. Bach's title was Chapel Meister) Lounge Meister. Check it out. Subject: Job Hunting
My first job was working in an orange factory, but I got canned...couldn't concentrate.
After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it...mainly because it was a so so job that kept me in stitches .
Then I tried to be a chef....figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have thyme. I got burnt on that one!
Next I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was too exhausting. They kept telling me to pipe down.
I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining. Soon the whole company went under.
I then attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it I couldn't cut the mustard. Plus they garnished my wages.
I tried house painting, but I got overheated putting on one coat after another. So I gave them the brush off.
Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it so they gave me the axe.
Next was a job in a shoe factory, I put my heart and sole into it, but I just didn't fit in and ended up getting quite a tongue lashing.
I had a chance to be an elevator operator, but then my life had too many ups and downs. It really floored me.
So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian until I realized there was no future in it.
I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quite because it was always the same old grind.
Performing as a musician at Jay's is a noteworthy spot where we're making scale (the doe's pretty good) and covered for anything accidental unless we injure ourselves playing with sharp keys or have a flat on the job. We're never trebled by staff infection and we seem to be drumming up new business as we roll along. Which gives mi a re of hope so fa! So come on down...for a drink with jam and bread...??? Going through all those jobs to get to where I am now certainly strengthens my belief in a hire power (and getting fired up about these things). Thanks to Terry for most of the punfull prose above!
Mark
Wednesday 5/2 Jay's 7:30-10:30 Kevin Whalen is our special guest, with Monster Trux Trio (Raynes/Applegate/Sloniker).
Thursday 5/3 Jay's 6:30-10:30 Dr. Forest Greenough makes a house call on bass and Mark Sloniker searches for the key to well tempered health.
Friday 5/4 Jay's 8:30-11:30 Peter Sommer/sax (our psyaxchiatrist) with Raynes/drums Applegate/bass and Sloniker/piano can heal what ales you.
Saturday 5/5 Jay's Wendy Fopeano/vocals sings the body electric with Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano (what's sonata with him anyway)
UPCOMING GIGS: Friday 5/11 features Shilo Stroman, Andrew Vogt & Adam Trachsel. Saturday 5/12 features Colleen Crosson. Friday 5/18 features Eric Applegate. Wednesday 5/23 features Andrew Vogt. Friday 5/25 features
Kevin Whalen. Saturday 5/26 features Mary Buirgy.
04/27/07
I wrote an instrumental song once. Actually I don’t know just how instrumental it was. It just didn’t have words. But the first chord was major and warm and happy and the second chord was minor and sad and cold and the third chord was like the first chord (sweet and comforting) and the fourth one was somewhere in between the first and the second: kind of a confused chord (in music there are chords called “half diminished” chords and this one was more on the “half demolished” side). As the piece progresses (if you can call it that) these chords keep bandying back and forth, happy to sad faster than you can say “Is this a happy song or a sad song?” Just as the happy chord gets you feeling good and warm, the minor chord chills you out and the listener (or should that be the “victim”) realizes that they have been listening to April in Colorado which I at the time entitled the piece “Reluctant Spring” to which a musician friend retorted that that title sounded like a temperamental deodorant soap. Maybe we should just be honest and call it April in Colorado but would anyone really want to listen to that? Perhaps we will just have to see…
Friday, April 27 Jay’s Bistro (8:30-11:30) features (if not somewhat reluctantly) John Olson/drums, Dave Lunn/sax, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. If you ask for it we’ll play it!
Saturday, April 28 (8:30-11:30) Mary Buirgy visits the Bistro with Gene Libbea on bass and yours truly on keys.
Wednesday, May (Yay for May) 2 Kevin Whalen joins the monster trux trio (Raynes/Applegate/Sloniker) for some mischievous and rambunctious musical fun.
Thursday 5/3 features Forest Greenough/bass! Friday May 4 features Peter Sommer/sax. Wendy Fopeano returns on Saturday 5/5. Andrew Vogt play Friday 5/11 and Colleen Crosson sings on Saturday May 12.
It is always our joy to play for you (no reluctance there)! Even in April in Colorado.
Mark
04/18/07
Okay it's time for a pun or two…the jazz listings (we've been listing for a while now) are listed below!
A GOOD PUN IS ITS OWN REWORD:
Energizer Bunny arrested -- charged with battery.
A pessimist's blood type is always b-negative.
Practice safe eating -- always use condiments.
A Freudian slip is when you say one thing but mean your mother.
I used to work in a blanket factory, but it folded.
If electricity comes from electrons... does that mean that morality comes from morons?
A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
Corduroy pillows are making headlines.
Is a book on voyeurism a peeping tome?
Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.
Banning the bra was a big flop.
Sea captains don't like crew cuts.
Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
A successful diet is the triumph of mind over platter
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
A gossip is someone with a great sense of rumor.
Without geometry, life is pointless.
When you dream in color, it's a pigment of your imagination.
Condoms should be used on every conceivable occasion.
Reading whilst sunbathing makes you well-red.
When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.
Alarms: What an octopus is.
Dockyard: A physician's garden.
Incongruous: Where bills are passed.
Khakis: What you need to start the car in Boston.
Oboe: An English tramp.
Pasteurize: Too far to see.
Propaganda: A gentlemanly goose.
Toboggan: Why we go to an auction.
and finally,
Marriage is the mourning after the knot before
TaDa…jazz will follow:
Thursday 4/19 Jay's Bistro (7-10:30) Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano. This is the second performance of this Duo. A Duo do over!
Friday 4/20 Jay's Bistro (8:30-11:30) Andrew Vogt/sax, Mark Raynes/drums, Roger Barnhart/bass, Mark Sloniker/piano.
Saturday 4/21 Jay's Bistro (8:30-11:30) Colleen Crosson/voice, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano
Friday 4/27 features John Olson/drums, Dave Lunn/sax, Roger Barnhart/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano
Saturday 4/28 features Mary Buirgy/voice Gene Libbea/bass and Mark Sloniker/piano.
Friday May 5 features Peter Sommer/sax
Thanks For Listening!
-mark
04/11/07
Although you might find this hard to swallow…NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS e-mail…..
Wednesday 4/11 Jay’s Bistro 7:30-10:30 Dr. Forest Greenough/bass, Mark Raynes/drums, Mark Sloniker/piano with special guest Andrew Vogt/sax may serve as the dog of the hare that bit you…or not!
Thursday 4/12 Jay’s Bistro 7-10:30 Gets things hopping with Forest Greenough and Mark Sloniker. The featured note tonight will be the hole note!
Friday 13th Jay’s Bistro 8:30-11:30 Kevin Whalen trumpets, Mark Raynes drums, Forest Greenough bases loaded with Sloniker batting clean up (of the rabbit cage).
Saturday 4/14 Jay’s Bistro 8:30-11:30 Wendy Fopeano/vocals, Roger (Rabit) Barnhart and Bugs Sloniker play by ear (or what’s left of ‘em).
Hop on by!
-mark
03/28/07
In reference to last week's "No Direction Home - Retraction" email, I was reminded that: while two wrongs don't make a right...three lefts DO! And although this may be