by Ric Tortorete

I could have spent all day playing around in the drum rooms at NAMM. There was so much to see. I had heard about some new toys from Vater. They’re called StickMates and just wait ’til you see these. I hooked up with Mark from Vater and he showed us the cool new stuff. Known more for their durability and comfort Vater sticks always deliver for me personally and though I use others I like the little extra length and durability of a Vater stick.

Click through for more and a video interview!

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A little teaser for the upcoming piece on Bedell Guitars.
We’ll have an interview with Tom Bedell and show off his cool guitars.
Stay Tuned!

The Barefoot Music Stage was at JamFest 2012 in Menifee, CA, filled with great music all day. Here’s a cut from The Burning Crabcakes. More to come! Stay tuned.

Take It From Me by Edward Lapple
Photos provided by Dean Snowden

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to go on the road with a big-name rock band? Lots of parties, screaming fans, babes, VIP everything? Well, not exactly. Dean Snowden has been a very good friend of mine for a long time. If that fact doesn’t entice you to read an interview with him, then perhaps the fact that he is the official photographer for KISS, plus their VIP Meet and Greet specialist, will.

Click through for OMG AMAZING STUFF!

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Photos and Review by Carox

I was told that I might not get home from the Steel Panther gig if they abducted  me on their tour bus or nabbed me backstage. I was told to “watch for the part when they pull you up on stage” and desperately hoped I would be pulled up on stage. Dressed in appropriate spandex, I arrived to get into the pit at House of Blues in Houston just a few minutes before they came out.

Click for more and DON’T MISS THE PHOTOS!

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It wouldn’t be honest to just tell you success stories. Sometimes Jam nights don’t work. It doesn’t mean that it was a bad Jam or a bad bar or a bad night. Sometimes there just aren’t enough listeners to go around. Local bar and grill owners are hit hard in this economy, just like everyone else. They count on an ever-shrinking entertainment budget of working stiffs who can afford a few beers and maybe a dinner night every so often. If their food is great they will be able to pay expenses; if the sale of booze can pay the rent and provide profit, that is a successful bar. That is also hard work. Once such local eatery, Ponderosa Bar and Grille on Shadel Rd. in Menifee,CA. has been a measured success over 17 years of service in the shape of great down-home food, reasonable drink deals, plenty of pool tables and great entertainment. With live bands and dancing Friday and Saturday, and karaoke Sundays and Thursdays, Ezra at the Ponderosa has been providing a great stage and dance floor to top local bands and tours, helping to hone a generation of young bands’ talent and professionalism.

Click  through for more and a video from the Jam!

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