(Note: this series was originally published elsewhere.)

Something in music: origin

One evening at a hot, trendy L.A. nightclub on a rare solo outing, yours truly found himself standing alone at the bar preparing to review the upcoming act. Before he had taken more than a few notes, however, he was bookended by a pair of vivacious vixens who insisted on engaging your rockin’ writer in cozy conversation. Strangely, the subject of “marriage” arose.

One of the young ladies noted that when a gal is about to get hitched, she needs “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” Your provocative penman was immediately inspired. After all, those very same terms could be applied to music too: “Something old” or classic, “something new” or recently released, “something borrowed”, a cover, and “something blue”, a blues song or a song with “blue” in the title. The rest is history.

‘Something’ in Music 314

Something Old

Our “something old” in this edition is the classic cut “American Pie” written and first recorded by American singer-songwriter and musician Don McLean. It first appeared on his 1971 platter of the same name. If you’re in Southern California and would like to see him perform live, you’re in luck.

McLean will be performing at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California, Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. Opening for McLean will be special musical guest Bill Grisolia. For those not in the know, American singer-songwriter and keyboardist Bill Grisolia is an integral part of the new blues movement and the curator of the annual New Blues Festivals.

Grisolia and his band take the stage at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices start at $28.00. Check the website for further information.

Something New

Our “something new” this time is the new song “Broken Telephone” recorded by Canadian-born alt-pop singer, writer, mental health advocate, and activist X.ARI and co-written by producer Austin Patrick Foley and Daniella Watters. In a recent social media post, X.ARI asked: “Have you heard my new bop ‘BrokenTelephone’? I can’t wait to drop my EP Songs For Dancers on Oct 10 for World Mental Health Day. Big love to [those who made] this song with me!”

Something Borrowed

Our “something borrowed” this edition is the song “People Get Ready” originally recorded by the American group The Impressions. It was written by band member Curtis Mayfield and is the title track of their 1965 platter. This gentle cover cut is by the late American singer and musician Eva Cassidy. This is restored footage of her live performance of the gospel-tinged tune at the Blues Alley jazz supper club in Washington, DC, on January 3rd, 1996.

Something Blue

Last but not least, our “something blue” this edition is the song “Blue Sky and the Devil” originally recorded by the Duluth, Minnesota-based bluegrass group Trampled By Turtles. The current line-up includes Dave Carroll on banjo and vocals, Tim Saxhaug on bass and vocals, Mary LaPlant on fiddle, David Simonett on guitar and vocals, and Erik Berry on Mandolin and vocals. Written by Simonett, the song was first featured on the band’s 2005 disc Blue Sky and the Devil.

If you’d like to see the band live and you’re in the area, you’re in luck. They will be performing at the 7th Suwannee Roots Revival from Thursday, October 5th through Sunday, October 8th, 2023 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida. According to a recent email, this venue has a “longtime tradition of hosting some of the most prominent names in American roots music and beyond.”

This music event “focuses on showcasing established as well as up-and-coming roots musicians throughout the weekend, often with some one-of-a -kind collaborations among the artists performing—you never know who will give a surprise sit-in on stage (or in the campgrounds for that matter).” Indeed, this year the Suwannee Roots Revival “initial lineup…includes Trampled By Turtles, Hot Tuna Electric (catch them while you can—they just announced it is all acoustic after their fall tour), Donna the Buffalo, The Peter Rowan Band, Jim Lauderdale Band, Electric Larry Land (before you start thinking about 90s albums—this is Larry Keel’s new all electric quartet!), Big Richard, Jon Stickley Trio, Sunny War, The Last Revel, Stillhouse Junkies, Verlon Thompson, Jeff Mosier Ensemble, John Mailander’s Forecast, The Grass Is Dead, The Ain’t Sisters, Blair Crimmins & The Hookers, Ralph Roddenbery & The Jones, Nikki Talley, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, The NEW Quintet, Sloppy Joe, Quartermoon, Tania & the Magic Moon Traveling Circus, and more…”

This family-friendly festival features “four days of music” on “multiple stages...camping, yoga, …a Kids Tent, as well as campground pickin’ sessions.” There will also be “a wide array of arts & crafts as well as culinary delights ranging from healthy to decadent in the Vending Village. Hands-on and performance workshops will be held on the Music Farmer’s Stage…” In short, “the festival celebrates community-based fun… as they say at SOSMP: ‘Music Lives Here’.”

According to a recent e-comminque, the “Suwannee Roots Revival offers a multi-day Weekend Ticket that includes festival admission for four days of music, as well as primitive camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.” Amenities here include “a general store, full service restaurant, free showers, indoor bathrooms, and water stations. Upgraded camping, including RV hook ups and cabin rentals, as well as golf cart rentals.”

Other ticket options include “Early Bird Tier 2 Tickets” for $175.00 (including taxes and fees). “Student / Military Early Bird are $144.00 (with a valid ID). Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

An additional event car pass is required to bring a car into the campground.” Advance Car Passes range from $15.00 to $20.00 at the gate. Further ticket information is available at the official website.

Did we mention your favorite “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? If not, let us know. Don’t forget to send us your bride photos too!

(Images courtesy of Rock n Roll Bride and/or original owners)