Hey there!!!!

Well, we're finally taking a breather after a crazy summer. The leaves have started to turn here in the North-country and the schedule has mellowed out a bit.

That said, we've got a couple of very cool highlights lined up for October. Here's the 411!


ONLINE NEWSLETTER REMINDER

Just a reminder that the "html & pics" version of this newsletter is viewable here:

www.jasonspooner.com/newsletter.asp

OKTOBERFEST AT THE HARPOON BREWERY IN BOSTON!!!

Ok, I'll have to preface this one by saying that I'm personally torn at the thought of promoting an out of state beer (especially a Boston beer) when there are so many fine ales brewed right here in the great state of Maine. You see, Mainers are periodically forced to rely on Boston whether they like it or not. Boston boasts a wide array of amenities & necessities which we lack here in Maine... pro sports teams, an aquarium, a bad-ass science museum and an IKEA. So Mainers are forced to visit Boston from time to time to get their fix of whatever it may be whether they like to admit it or not.

That said, in the face of all that is Boston, there is one thing that Mainers have figured out despite life in the long shadow of our neighbor to the south.. and that is how to brew a damn fine pint of beer. Maine's breweries are world-class in my eyes so it is with my deepest apologies that I proceed to pimp a Beantown brew.

Of course the thing to remember is that Maine also doesn't have a raging annual 2-day Oktoberfest that hosts over 6,000 beer-loving psycho's in one location... so maybe it's not all bad. I also must admit that there is a reason that Harpoon IPA is seemingly everywhere... it's delicious!

We've heard from very reliable sources that the good folks at Harpoon put on an Oktoberfest that is only rivaled by the celebrations in the German motherland and we're proud to report that they've invited the Spooner Trio down this year to join in the festivities. Apparently the music goes all day and features all styles... rock, blues, funk and several German Oompa bands. There is even a "Chicken Dancing" contest... don't ask.

Our set starts at 4:30 on the main stage on Saturday, October 3. The word on the street is GET THERE EARLY! This event is very popular and very well-attended.

Friday, October 2 & Saturday, October 3
The Spooner Trio performs on Saturday, October 3 at 4:30pm!
The Harpoon Brewery
Boston, MA
$20

For more information, visit:
www.harpoonbrewery.com/index.cfm/page/Octoberfest-Boston/pid/28569

OPENING FOR SUSAN TEDESCHI AT THE OPERA HOUSE!!!

Sooo... while I'm promoting Boston beer I suppose there's no harm in mentioning one of Boston's finest blues performers. I'm absolutely THRILLED to announce that I will be playing a solo acoustic set to open the night for the incomparable Susan Tedeschi at the Skowhegan Opera House next week!

Anyone who has seen Susan has gone through the obligatory initiation... the lights go down and a petite and attractive young woman takes the stage slinging and electric guitar. She smiles and greets the audience with a shy "hello" in a faint, almost girlish voice. The band begins to rock and your start to tap your toes. Then Susan approaches the mic to sing and lets loose with the most unexpected and soulful bellow that you've heard in a long, loooong time. The voice has the street-wise swagger of a late 70's Bonnie Raitt with the raspy ferocity of a late 60's Janis Joplin mixed in. You might even catch the echo of the ghost of Etta James somewhere in there but comparisons aside, this woman has a sound all her own and she is the real-deal.

From humble beginnings at Sunday night blues jams at Boston's Johnny's D's to winning several Boston Music Awards, WC Handy Awards and earning an Grammy Nomination all the way to performing alongside the likes of B.B. King, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Eric Clapton, her story is truly inspiring.

I'll be getting onstage around 8pm. Hope you can make it!


Friday, October 8
8pm
The Skowhegan Opera House
Skowhegan, ME

For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/sweetpeopleproductions

BORU RIDES AGAIN!!!

Just a quick and friendly heads up to you local folk... Brian Boru has started up live entertainment on Thursdays once again and our summer hiatus from our favorite bar gig has come to an end. We'll be heading back to our usual spot on the second floor of Boru's on Thursday, October 15.

Come on down and welcome us back like the old days!

Friday, October 15
10pm
Brian Boru
Portland, ME

For more information, visit:
www.brianboruportland.com