Vintage blues, or as some call them “the scratchies”,  tell stories and come from the depths of a person’s life.  One of the best visuals of this is the Empress of the blues, Bessie Smith.  From songs of despair and dying like Send Me To The ‘lectric Chair to the ravings about the famous southern musician Charlie Green in Trombone Cholly, the blues were equivalent to life.  Reaching into the depths of your soul and bringing what is there to the surface and pouring it into an envelope of music is what the blues and especially the vintage blues is all about.

Most people today who enjoy the blues do not want to venture back to the roots.  These are usually the vinyls that no one wants to touch for fear of marring them; kind of like the best china that is saved for only the most special occasions that never seem to come around.  Today a lot of this music has been digitalized and yet people are still afraid of playing it.  They would rather play contemporary blues like Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Lee hooker, Van Morrison and yes, even Cyndi Lauper. There is nothing wrong with any of these performers.  I enjoy listening to their music very much as the person whose blog I have hijacked can attest to.

As a history buff I love exploring the roots.  When discussing blues this means gong back and experiencing those who came before and paved the way for the contemporary artists.  The women, or queens of the blues especially paved the way and made it possible for others to pick up where they left off.  Bessie Smith earned her title as Empress as she could be considered the original blues diva.  This gutsy lady, upon being told that the KKK was coming to break up her tent concert did not run and hide as she was advised to do.  Instead, she walked off the stage and right out toward the hooded mob and stood her ground telling them that they would have to fight her, her band AND her tentful of fans.  This five foot nine inch woman who could cuss the wallpaper off the wall turned the KKK on their tail and sent them running.  She lived every word and every note she sang.

Billie Holiday was another Queen of the blues.  She, too, felt every thing she sang and continued to light the path for many others just like the woman whose music inspired her, Bessie Smith.  Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton also laid some mortar of her own.  In fact, you could say she was responsible for one of Elvis Presley’s hits, Hound Dog.  The song was actually written for Big Mama and is about a man.  Mr. Presley took it and made it about a dog and had a hit.  If you listen to Big Mama’s version you can really feel why this song was written for her. Ma Rainey is another lady who gets my applause and humble curtsey as a queen of the blues.  She was not afraid to sing about anything.  From being a Slave To The Blues to Countin’ The Blues, Ma Rainey knew what she was providing to the world.  But she could also sing songs like “Ma” Rainey’s Black Bottom with style and class.

Now, before anyone begins to think that I am partial to the women of blues (I suppose I am as they had to do more to open doors for the women who came after them) I must mention some of the men of blues.  While he is mostly known for his jazz (and what some considered a career ending move to pop) Louis Armstrong also provided the world with wonderful blues.  This man did more for music in general than anyone else in my opinion (yes, I am partial).  Bind Willie McTell is another mason who cleared the way for the future generations.  A recognizable voice his music told of life and all that it can bring.

The list of kings and queens of vintage blues could go on for the next ten generations.  However, reading about these great oldies would take away from actually experiencing them.  Take out the vintage and dust them off.  Spin them on the turntable or MP3 player or whatever your chosen mode is.  Reaching back and touching your roots from time to time will only serve to strengthen your core and enlighten your soul.

On October 9, 2009 (I erred in math and celebrated a day early) I showed the naysayers that Parky’s Pub had what it takes by celebrating the one year anniversary with a six hour gala affair that brought in great DJs and singers.  Still there were those who believed it would close.

On October 10, 2010 Parky’s Pub celebrated with a three hour two year anniversary party (Parky is getting too old for the all-day parties).  This party brought the official DJ debut of Parky herself who kicked it all off at 2 pm.  Then the wonderful and very talented BartyAum Mohegan serenaded the house full of friends SLamily and new comers with his amazing music.  We finished off the day with an hour of DJ Crighton Johin doing what he does best, spinning the best jazz on the grid.

Two griefers decided to show up during Barty’s set, but they were quickly dispelled and everyone had a wonderful time.  Pub photographer, Kimala Kohime took lots of happy snappies and then took some of them and made them into the following video.  I messaged my sweet angel, Aeryn Lovenkraft during the party and told her I had tears in my eyes.  She fussed at me, but I reminded her I had tears in my eyes for the first anniversary as well as for the grand opening.  As I look around and I see all those wonderful souls at the pub enjoying themselves I can’t help but feel that it is all because of them that Parky’s Pub has lasted as long as it has.  It is the great people who come to the two events each week (jazz with Crighton on Thursdays at 5 and Celtic Kitchen Sink with Isobela on Fridays at 2) and those who come for special events and just stop by to enjoy the place during off times that have made Parky’s Pub everything I had dreamed it could be.

Enjoy the video and here’s to at least two more years and to each and every person whom I see when stand and and look around when no one is there.  It is your laughter and chatter that fills the place.  Thank you.

Click the link below.

2 Year Celebration! Parky\’s Pub

I sent out the notices indicating Isobela’s request (she didn’t know what I was doing).  As the doors were opening, our first special guest arrived, the Butt Fairy.  This fairy stated that she came in her sister’s stead as she did not know where her sister was, but knows many have grievances with her.   No one wanted the services of the Butt Fairy unless she decreased the size instead of augmenting.  The owner, however decided to use this to her advantage and was able to keep the rowdy group in line by telling them instead of ejecting them she would send them to the corner with the Butt Fairy.

The Butt Fairy

It seems that after people around the grid began receiving the notices they sent out beacons looking for the Boob Fairy to help Isobela and while the crowd was dancing away to the wonderful Celtic tunes a new fairy flew into our midst.  This time we had the one and only Boob Fairy.  Together, the two fairies danced and played with the patrons who came from all over the grid just to become acquainted with these two fine creatures.

I am always excited about the patrons who frequent Parky’s Pub and when we can have two such very special guests who mix and mingle with everyone else it is all the more exciting for me.  We have been visited by special guests since the pub opened 10/9/08.  From refrigerators to spaghetti monsters and even Frankenstein in a kilt.  Perhaps one day I can get all the fairs and perhaps a leprechaun or two to visit at the same time (our usual furries and blue angels are always welcome).

The Boob Fairy and The Butt Fairy

Portcia

I should also add this is what happens when Isobela turns her back with the closet slightly ajar.  Apparently, Portcia stepped out of the closet and pushed Isobela in and decided to hijack the stream and DJ for Celtic Kitchen Sink.  I was slightly skeptical recalling what happened in April when Portcia and Aeryn were left to handle the pub in my absence.  It seems as though Portcia has been watching over Isobela’s shoulder and learned a few things about DJing.  I kept a close eye on things just in case Portcia strayed and tried to break the rules of the pub.  I am pleased to say that she behaved herself quite well.

I know there are some who are wondering about the aforementioned rules.  Yes, Parky’s Pub has posted rules.  A while back I had to post about the DJ who broke the rules and ended up in a soapy mess.  The only dress code is to wear clothes so that your bits aren’t showing.  For the rest, No weapons, no profanity, no fighting, etc.; the pub is PG even if the SIM is Mature.  Respect for each other is the course.  Furries, humans, nekos, tinies, etc are all welcome as well as all genders and various sexual orientations.  Being respectful at Parky’s Pub runs the full spectrum.  You are asked to be respectful in open chat as well as private IM while you are in the pub enjoying yourself.  My only desire is to provide a safe enjoyable venue for everyone.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.  DJ Isobela has broken free from her bondage (aka closet) and promises NEVER to let Portcia gain that much control again.  I for one would be very sad if Portcia is locked in the closet never to be heard from again.  I do miss her as a regular each week and think it would be quite fun on occasion for Portcia to DJ and Isobela to sit back, relax and enjoy.  We will have to see what happens.

]]> http://dlbach.com/parkysprattlings/2009/12/06/this-is-what-happens/feed/ 1 http://dlbach.com/parkysprattlings/2009/12/03/spanks-so-much-for-the-fun/ http://dlbach.com/parkysprattlings/2009/12/03/spanks-so-much-for-the-fun/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:20:58 +0000 dlbach http://dlbach.com/parkysprattlings/?p=22 Spanksgiving is one holiday that should be celebrated world-wide.  The last day of November has become quite a celebration.  I had the honor and privilege of being invited to my second celebration this past Monday.  I was under the weather in RL so I missed the first set of wonderful music by DJ BigD Flanagan.  By the time I arrived the party was in full force with DJ Crighton Johin tossing the tunage through the stream like the seasoned pro that he is.

What is Spanksgiving, you ask?  Let me provide some color to this black and white portrait.  What seems like eon ago I walked into an amazing club in Second Life called The Bee Hive.  I met a wild and wacky group of people who enjoyed spanking each other.  I just sat back and enjoyed the music as well as the amusing banter.  Over time I had heard tales of this thing called Spanksgiving, however, I didn’t inquire as to what it was.   Over the course of time I became endeared to this loud, capricious crew.  Last year I attended my first Spanksgiving.  The music is played the banter continues.  The spanking is manifest to one and all.

This is the one day a year I will don a spanker in Second Life and allow those in close proximity to click and watch me do a backflip (it is the spanker that controls it).  I, as well, will indulge a bit and spank those around me as we commence with mindless, whimsical conversation.  This year, as I was not well (stated before) I didn’t change out of my new Sunday Blues On The Green attire (I am a hamster for those now to attempt to get friends to change their ways and desist from smoking hamsters).  I arrived at Bistro Olive and immediately began sending limos for all those on my contact list who had not arrived and I felt should be there.  Then I put on my spanker and sat on a piece of signage.  Since my spanker was as big as my avatar, it didn’t take much for anyone to send me spinning in the air.

With everyone in attendance that could be there (a few missing due to RL and SL issues and obligations) we had an absolutely amazing time and all are looking forward to next years festivities and to see who will host the holiday that should be declared an international holiday.

I knew I had set the opening of the pub at about the same time of my Rez date. I thought it was the day before. However, as I was looking at my Rez date (10/9/07) I realized that it was actually the day after my Rez day that I held the grand opening for Parky’s Pub. I said nothing and didn’t attempt to change the plans as everything was set. Now I fess up to my grave error and beg your forgiveness. **hangs her head** I just don’t do well with numbers at all. I am so sorry.

What I do not regret is having the party as I did.  Just over a year ago I was GM for someone else’s club.  We had seven gigs a week and I worked almost all of them.  I put out the $$L as if it were my club, but was constantly reminded that it was not my place.  I sat on the deck of my friend Saphire’s home and told her about a dream I had of having my own pub.  She told someone else and the rest, as they say, is history.  Parky’s Pub is truly a place that was created from friendship and love.  It is sustained the same way.  I wanted a place where anyone could come and feel comfortable.  Irregardless of gender, breed, sexual orientation, religion, politics or anything else, if you follow the rules, you can stay.  RULES???????  Oh no!!!!!  This is very simple.  Just remember that the pub is PG and to treat everyone with respect and all will be well.  Over the year, I have been ‘advised’ to lighten up on the rules, make it a ‘Mature’ club, offer contest prizes and have cheese costume themes.  I have always said NO.  The closest the pub has come to ‘Mature’ is when I was in NYC and left the place in the care of Isobela and Aeryn.  The themes I chose to do are musical like Coltrane, Bird, Billie and Thunder.  (Oops, the last is my fantasy theme)

The grand opening lasted 12 hours and held many glitches like DJs not showing up and stream problems as well as SL must being a menace.  The anniversary party lasted from 2 -7 pm.  We began the festivities with DJ Isobela Capalini doing her usual Friday Celtic Kitchen Sink.  We got a great dosing of Barley Juice, Celtic Thunder and Celtic Women along with many other delights.  After a wonderful two hours, DJ Crighton Johin stole the stream and kicked off his set with Louis Armstrong (I think he wanted to make sure he was on the owners good side).  After an hour of Creighton’s smokin, sexy, straight ahead jazz the lovely Irish lassie DJ Kerry Anderson stepped in and played lots of Irish folk and just plain Irish good music.  (Parky was definitely happy yesterday)  To put a WOW to the finish, Maudite Carpaccio took the stream and with guitar in hand she stepped to the mic and just let her pipes ring out.  Tis a good thing Maudite is a friend and I am near deaf from what I understand.  But even with fighting sinus problems, she still did a great job singing and playing for us.

Noticeably missing from the festivities last night were Parky’s Prankster and Parky’s Pub photographer (This is why there aren’t more happy snappies posted).  These absences were not by design.  Unfortunately, the flu bug bit their family once again and kept Kimala and BigD from joining us.  We do send them lots of love and warm wish to a speedy recovery.  Many times in this past year, I have seriously considered closing Parky’s Pub and leaving SL altogether.  I even had conversations with those involved in the pub about doing so.  Now that we have reached the one year mark I stand in awe and lower my tear-filled eyes.  It is all of you who have kept Parky’s Pub going for a year.  Love and friendship opened the pub and keeps it going week in and week out.  Only love and friendship will close Parky’s Pub.  Enjoy the offerings I have here and stop by the pub when you are in world.  I thank each and everyone of you for this wonderful time.

P.S.  More happy snappies to come after I figure out how I broke the loader.