Thanks to all who came out last week.  It was a really good night.  Many of our regulars came out and we had
lots of new faces, always an encouraging sign for the future.  I added twelve new e-mail addresses to the list
from Sunday night, so I’ve got that many more people to bore, annoy, and badger now.  Of course, I do always
try to add a little honey to the proceedings.  “Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.”

As I often do, I’d like to remind you that we have one of those “Monday holidays” extending the coming weekend.  
Believe it or not, many people offer me excuses as to why they don’t stop by on any given Sunday evening.  It’s
not necessary for them to do so of course, but I appreciate it because I know it means they really would like to
come.  Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that about 40% of you don’t have a good excuse this week.

So why not join us this coming Sunday, February 19th at 10PM?  To sweeten the pot, we’re expanding the house
band to feature the music and trumpet playing of Dave “The Alderman” Scott.  Much to our chagrin, Mr. Scott no
longer resides in our fine neighborhood.  He can still serve as alderman however because we didn’t actually elect
him.  Instead, we sort of “grand-fathered” him in as a sign of our respect for his musicianship and experience.  He
will be ably assisted by Astoria resident Sam Minaie on bass and fellow carpet-bagger (a Brooklyn-ite) Leonard
Thompson on piano.  In honor of President’s Day, I’ll be doing my civic duty by hosting the session from the
drums.  Hope to see you there.




Blackbird’s has great food, a nice selection of beers on tap, and a warm, friendly vibe.  The session will run every
Sunday evening from 10PM until 1AM at:

Blackbird's
41-19 30th Avenue
Astoria, NY 11103

Thank you for your continuing support.  Musicians are welcome to sit in and the session will feature many of
Astoria's and NYC's finest musicians.  Please come by and listen or play!  


*Important note: If the house band lists a guitar player, there will be some kind of keyboard available.  If the house band lists a pianist, there will
usually be some kind of amplifier available to guitarists.




















Directions (to Blackbird's):

By Subway: Take the M or R Lines to Steinway Street in Queens. If you were traveling towards Manhattan, go up the stairs at the back of the train; if you were
traveling away from Manhattan, go up the stairs at the front of the train. Continue walking in the same direction and exit at the far stairway onto Steinway
Street; continue walking straight for 2-1/2 long blocks, crossing first Broadway, then 31st Avenue. When you reach 30th Avenue, turn right, then walk 2 short
blocks on 30th Avenue to 42nd Street. Blackbird's will be on the Northwest corner to your left.

By Bus: Take the Q18 directly to Blackbird's along 30th Avenue (get off at 42nd Street), or take the Q101, which runs along Steinway Street, to 30th Avenue,
then walk 2 short blocks East to 42nd Street.

By Car: Take Northern Boulevard to Steinway Street; if you were traveling West towards the 59th Street Bridge, turn right to go North on Steinway Street; if
you were traveling East away from Manhattan, turn left onto Steinway Street. Continue North on Steinway Street, across Broadway and 31st Avenue, to 30th
Avenue. Turn right onto 30th Avenue, continue on 30th Avenue for 2 short blocks to 42nd Street. Blackbird's will be on the Northwest corner to your left.
House Band, Week 1: Jon Irabagon, alto; Pete McCann, guitar;
Peter Brendler, bass; and Brian Woodruff, drums
Me with cake for 1-year anniversary of Blackbird's Session
Blackbird's, Week 3: Mark Capon, guitar; Dave Ruffels, bass;
Gary Versace, melodica; Nate Smith, drums; Jim Merkin,
piano