Musings on music, sports, life in general from Quincy, Illinois.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

TSO rules!

Off this week and getting too much stuff done. Stop it!

Listening to Night Castle by Trans Siberian Orchestra, a present from Bob and Anne Mays. Incredible music and great stuff, turn it up while decorating the tree ...

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Pastor Gas

Sometimes you need a laugh and it comes from an unsuspecting source.

Why is passing gas so funny?

This guy, Robert Tilton, was described as "corrupt" and "creepy" by a friend. Amen!

Friday, November 26, 2010

One last toast for Pat

Visitation tonight for Pat Cornwell. Before, we gathered to give him one last toast. If you are on Facebook, click here. Thanks so much to Jessica Cate from The Whig and The Local Q for recording our tribute to Pat.

Funeral tomorrow, one last ride to Big Neck .... see you on the other side, Pat.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Closer to 50

Thanks to everybody who sent Facebook birthday wishes yesterday. Facebook is an amazing thing. It's good because it's easy communication. It's bad because blogs get less attention.

My brother says I need to start rounding down, not up. That way, I'll be 29 forever.

Have I told you lately that Roger Daltrey is an amazing human being? Click here for more, and I could not agree more.

Have a great Turkey Day tomorrow and be safe!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Song stuck in my head

Sometimes when it won't leave your brain it's not a bad thing.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Farewell, Pat Cornwell


Pat Cornwell died at home Saturday night, surrounded by family, ready for the ride.

Shey Fey and I went to see him Saturday morning. His wife, Mary Ann, said she thought he would pass sometime during the day. His body was shutting down and he was ready for the ride, as he told his wife.

Anger is beginning to seep in now. Two months ago Pat appeared to be fine. Cancer spread like wildfire after a tumor was discovered in his brain, and watching him go down was unbelievable.

Pat played drums in The Funions and many other bands for years. He was a friend to all musicians, a big-hearted man who could never say no when it came to helping out at a charity event. The last show we played with Pat on drums was at Quanada's big benefit at Backwaters in April — the second straight year Pat donated a PA and spent a ton of hours setting it up and taking it down.

We had riotous practices in the back of Vegas Music. I will remember smoking stogies on the back porch and the feeling we got when we learned a new song, one he'd played a million times but new to us.

Shey Fey would come with us and fix Pat's computer, play with Lucky Cat and even cleaned the bathroom in the back (medal of valor in the mail).

Long may you run, Pat.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Gittin busy

Coming up on a busy stretch for The Cheeseburgers.

We start Saturday night with a show at Adams Trading Post. Adams, Ill., is just south of Quincy Regional Airport. We played there a few months ago and it was a lot of fun, good people who are into having a good time! We have learned a song just for them .... darlin'.

On Dec. 4 we are playing at the Blind Pig in Quincy. We are really excited about this show because we haven't played much in Quincy itself, and the Blind Pig is an awesome venue. WARNING: Get there early, it's not that big of a place and I think we'll have a good crowd.

On Dec. 11 we play for a private Christmas party in Palmyra. On Dec. 12 I will be at the Pat Cornwell benefit, not playing but perhaps helping out and just hanging out.

We also have a couple of Deadly Weapons shows coming up and they are always fun, too.

Tis the season for music!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

He's not a savage twit at all ...

My "guitar god" hero, the best ever .... Nigel Tufnel, talking about Joe Satriani.

Saturday, November 06, 2010



First of all, I am not sure where John Hodge's hand is. He is at the far right. I think it is resting on the stage. I think.

Secondly, the thing I will remember most about our Halloween costume party gig last Saturday night at the Terstriep farm near Payson was at 1 a.m., a nun wandered on the stage, grabbed the microphone from Burt and started singing "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America." There were still a boatload of people there and they all joined in. Sort of.

The last time I heard such a stirring rendition was at a tea party rally. But I digress.

It might just be illegal to have so much fun ....

Thursday, November 04, 2010

Legendary Manager

I interviewed Sparky Anderson several times and came away awed by the experience each time.

Rest in peace, Sparky.

More here.

Monday, November 01, 2010

Political signs I can relate to ....

Will have a report later about Saturday's wedding and subsequent Cheeseburger Halloween gig at the Payson farm. I'm still trying to process it all. Getting home at 4 in the morning does that you.

In the meantime, make sure you vote Tuesday. Don't know if you read about the rally by Jon Stewart and Stephen Cobert the other day, but here's a link with the best signs. Enjoy!