Rockin The Roof Off The Barn At Levon's

There's plenty of perks living in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, in upstate New York. To name just one, I live 20 minutes from Woodstock and Levon Helm's house and his recording studio were just about every Saturday night they hold The Midnight Ramble. I was lucky enough to attend last nights Ramble in the Barn, it was filled with surprises.
For starters, my favorite little "Blues Man",Little Sammy Davis opened the show with his unbelievable harmonica sound. I have seen him several times in the past, and I love him!, he usually stands in place, shuffling his little feet back and forth to the music, last night he sat rather still in his chair, playing the Horner and singing the blues like no other. He proved once again, that he's still got it! I'm not sure how old he is, but he's got to be at least 80-plus years young.
The bold music of Mitch Rider and The Detroit Wheels provided the perfect warm up for Levon to follow. Rider, most notably remembered for is hit 'Devil With The Blue Dress On', rocked the doors off the barn! I have seen many of musical artists from yester-year, and let me tell you, Mitch hasn't lost a beat! his voice is as powerful as it ever was, and his talented band rocked right along with him. Mitch brought a special guest of his own, Jeff Miller. Jeff, a singer and song writer him self, jammed with Mitch and the wheels for an added little bonus for us.
Next up, Levon and his unbelievable cast of performers, I like to call them the baker's dozen. This talented group of musicians love what they do, it's evident in the sound that they put out, all you have to do is look at there smiling faces. Each of the musicians while individually terrific, together are inspirational. Levon was silent last night,recovering from throat surgery this past June, he's on strict orders from his Doctor to rest the vocals. However,the lack of singing didn't hold him back in the least. The GREAT news is that his prognosis is good, and there is NO SIGN of cancer. He proves him self on the drums, as one of the best of all time, but he also plays other instruments as well. During one number, he did a little hip gyrating dance number with his mandolin as his partner. His super talented crew was his voice last night, but he will be back and I'm sure better than ever!
The Ramble always proves to be a magical evening,you never know who might just show up. In walked Robbie Dupree, I thought we might get lucky enough to hear him, but something must have come up because he never did take the stage.
Another big bonus for us was, Grammy Award Winning,singer and song writer, Rodney Crowell just happened to be visiting a friends farm down the road,he thought what the hell, I'll go check out Levon's and see what's going on. Rodney once married to Roseanne Cash from 1979-1992, collaborated with his father-in-law, Johnny Cash, on the hit song 'Walk The Line'. Johnny Cash wasn't a fan of how Rodney changed the song around a bit, but ultimately was happy with the end result. Rodney ruled the country charts, and in 1988 he had five #1 hits,and in 1989 he had two #1's.
It's not called the Midnight Ramble for nothing, Levon and his guests ramble, and rock till the end, and the end didn't come last night till Jim Weider took the stage. Weider was lead guitarist(replacing Robbie Robertson)with The Band from 1985-1999. Jim is a native of Woodstock and while a teenager,he met Levon Helm. He has preformed and recorded with such musicians as, Bob Weir, Keith Richards, and Dr John.
It's not just any ones house that you can go to were the living room is filled with legends. If you have never been to a Ramble you had better check it out, and give yourself plenty of notice because it sells out fast.

www.levonhelm.com
www.rodneycrowell.com
www.jimweider.com
e-mail Jeff@esientertainment.com
for Little Sammy Davis go to Levon Helm's site

" Buza" On The Top Of Dabrovnik

Recently,I was lucky enough to walk the interior of the Castle in Dabrovnik's historic 'Old Town'. The abundance of cafes and coffee shops seemed endless and the walking made me work up a thirst for a beverage. I following the arrows of the hand carved wooden 'Cold Refreshments'sign. I climbed up towards the top of the castle towards the sky and the vibrant blue water view of the Adriatic Sea.
The stone steps seemed endless, the curve of the walls of the castle were smooth yet rugged. Keep climbing! I told myself, just when I thought I would never find the oasis on top of the world, there it was; "BUZA". I thought how incredibly lucky I was to have found this beautiful spot on Earth. Myself, and about 20 other thirsty patrons found paradise.I ordered the local Karlovacko beer, or pivo as they say in Croatia. I found a seat and took a deep breath, as I looked out on the most incredible view of the Adriatic and the Island of Lokrum. The little place was situated on the side of a rock ledge, little tables and chairs filled with people taking in the warm sun and the beauty of the moment.
If you ever find yourself in Dabrovnik's Old Town, you need to follow the wooden sign and climb to the top of the world and treat yourself to a cold refreshing Pivo, and take in the magical sights and the beauty of Croatia.

Croatia, Home of the Cravat

Did you know that the Cravat originated in Croatia? What is a Cravat you ask? In modern day times, we know the Cravat as a neck tie.
During the European Thirty Years War(1618-1648), the Croatian Cavalry reached all the way to Paris. What is interesting is that the Croats, as part of their traditional national costume, tied lively colored scarves around their necks. In the time of Louis XIV,this beautiful Croatian style impressed the Parisiens so much that they adopted this new fashion item worn 'a`la mani`ere croate', meaning; in the Croatian way. The history of the Cravat's entrance into the fashion of time is world renown. To think Europe and the whole civilized world was conquered by a Cravat, the symbol of culture and prestige.
I spent two days in Dabrovnik, Croatia and was awed by the beauty and the history of the area. While touring through Old Town, I stumbled upon the Croatia Tie Store, the beautiful bright colors lined up along the walls were alluring. My eyes transfixed on a beautiful shaded blue tie, I touched the cravat and felt the well made silky material between my finger tips. How much for this one I asked? the beautiful Croatian clerk relpied in a launguage I didn't understand. Perhaps, my visit to Croatia got the best of me, considering my husbands heritage is Croatian, I thought what better than a souvenir of a Croatian Tie for my Croatian husband. He is now the proud owner of a #2 of 4 authentic hand made Cravat. All for only 24,000 Kuna or approximately $480.00 USD. Yes I know, that's alot of Kuna, but the Croatian Cravat is KNOT just any tie.