The Mendota area has always been fortunate to have among its residents many talented musicians: Recently I was able to attend a Corky Siegel concert at the Sandwich Opera House. Toward the end of the show, Jan Bradford, who had been sitting with us, was "coaxed" into playing harp on stage with Corky. A lady sitting next to me was amazed at Jan's harp-ability and asked if Jan and Corky had played together before and if this wasn't planned ahead of time. I reassured her that it hadn't been set up and that (not to derate Jan) the guy in front of us (Larry Lawrence) and the guy next to me (Brad Bradford) could play just as well, and that - indeed he was very good - but it was no big deal - good musicians were a dime a dozen where I came from. She flipped me a nickel and told me to send her a half dozen.

From the mid-sixties when I was in grade school, I remember my sister always going to dances at the Kanteen, Sublette, and the High Society in LaSalle/Peru. The Tri-County Fair every year had a teen tent that featured bands every night. I was there - right in the front row. In junior high I was in several bands with (among others) Larry Lawrence, Bruce Rousch, Lindsey Meyers, Kurt Scheidenhelm, and Randy Radke. I remember playing at the front shelter of the lake for our eighth grade graduation party and Randy Marinelli stopped by and played a Kinks tune with us. My sister, Sherril, was going out with Louie Miller at the time and I had heard about the Vangards, Some Several Dwarts, The Cynics and other local bands. Occasionally they'd come into the Purity and hang out while I was there.

From 1968 to 1972 the Kanteen was a wealth of musical entertainment. I don't know who was responsible for organizing all the dances that they had there, but my age group owes them a huge "thank you" for providing us with a dance at least twice a month. I was involved with one of the bands - "Brick" with Larry, Bob Larkin, Kenny Ladenburger, and Bill Posten. We played at our prom ('72). But the Kanteen and the high school provided many bands for our musical appetite: Rain, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Story Book Crew, and many, many more. Pitsticks also had bands playing on the beach: Reo Speedwagon, and The Guild to name a few.

Then there was the Compton community building... Mostly local talent, but Jim Schwall played there. I think people drank there, too ....

Water Tower Inn from 1977 to 1980 had some good bands. Local and distant. Rum and Chowder, Diamond T Band, Beats Walkin', Albino Blue, Sweetwater, Free Flyte. One of the best things about owning Water Trower was being able to bring good bands for people to enjoy. I hope that you were one who did.

Originally the Rum and Chowder reunion and now Lonwolf during the X-mas holiday have pretty much been the high light of the last few years. I brought Hip Pocket to the Civic Center twice but received a less-than-hoped-for response in terms of crowd size much to the dismay of my pocketbook. Too bad since they're one of the best bands I've heard for a while - granted, I don't get out as much as I used to.

Anyway, in keeping with this fine tradition, I would like to invite you and your friends to a Mid-Winter Blues Jam Session. I've asked a dozen or so of my musician friends to get together for a night of blues jamming. Among those planning to perform, are Larry "Bimbo" Lawrence, Bob "Spud" Larkin, Kenny "Cool" Ladenburger, Kurt Scheidenhelm, Tim "Worms" Durham, Steve "Wes" Westerman, Greg Steil, Louie Miller, John "Hoke" Cunningham, Tony Martin, Jan Bradford, Tim "Sonny Boy" Steil and Mark "Cams" Campbell. (What's it with musicians arid nicknames??) Others are expectecd to attend and perform as well. They all sound very enthused about playing.

Saturday, January 22nd at Partners Pub, South side of route 52, Troy Grove (For you old timers, it's the "Ham Sandwich Place")

Music will commence after 9 0'Clock until after Midnite. Partners serves dinner until 9 if you'd like to arrive early. Jon and Deb Bradford are owners. There will be a cash bar with 50 cent drafts. No cover charge, but donations may be made to the musicians to help with expenses.

Due to limited seating, this party is not for general public knowledge. I would like to invite a lot more people, but have limited sending this flyer to only about 100 of what I consider to be my best friends who share an interest in and have a history of attending this type of event. However, I want you to have fun, so feel free to bring friends (over 21) who'd like this type of entertainment, but remember - with twelve or more musicians, space and seating will be very limited - please use discretion, but everyone will be welcome if there's room.

I hope that you're as excited about this as my musical friends and I am and that you will be able to join us. I'm sure it will be a night to remember for a long time to come. If you have questions please call Partners Pub at (815) 539-9433 or me at 539-6100 evenings.