No Wilting of The Buds Despite Rain In Walnut Creek

Always popular market a fan fave for The Buds

Weather reports, by and large, have improved dramatically in recent years. Even with the added challenge of micro-climates around the Bay Area, the prognosticators have become pretty accurate. So, it was great expectation of downpours this Sunday passed, and hope that it would wait til noonish, that The Buds ventured to the first farmers market gig of the young season for the band.

Market Manager, Keith Farley sat with his iPhone examining the latest Doplar Radar graphics just before 9am, and stated with relative certainty that the rains would likely be light in the morning, and with any luck we might just get through til closing. Good call, Keith!

The good news is that dedicated shoppers came out to their market in pretty strong fashion, considering the forecast. And, as Keith proclaimed, the significant rain didn't start until just about time to wrap things up in the early afternoon.

All weather aside, it was a good day of music for The Buds. Back in our comfort zone, we were able to cover a lot of ground, playing pretty much non-stop for close to four hours. Band list-man, Jim McLaren, could likely tell you exactly what songs we played. Suffice it to say, we did a good amount of Neil Young, probably equal Dylan, some Stones, The Dead and others, intermingled with a hefty serving of originals, both appearing on our CD and ones not yet released.

One highlight of the day, for the band, at least, was a fan who came by looking and hoping that we had a second CD out, as he apparently has been enjoying "Organic Tuneage" and wants more. Nice, huh? :-) He hung out with us for quite a good part of the day, actually.

The Buds a Hit at "A Funny Night for Comedy"

Mewsical guests make a splash!

The Buds just came off a big night at a Valentine's evening comedy show, produced by Natasha Muse, "a pretty funny" stand-up comic by her own standards. The show, held at Actors Theater in San Francisco, was billed as "A Funny Night for Comedy", with the notorious Will Franken headlining. The Buds were the featured musical act.

We had the honor of playing to a sold out crowd before, midway, then again to close the show. The audience was open and receptive to the mewsic as well as the funny folks.

Following an opening set by The Buds that was met with rousing applause, Natasha welcomed the crowd, stepping gracefully from hostess/producer to opening comic ice-breaker. There was not much ice to break, however, as she quickly had the crowd in stitches.

After effectively warming up the room, Natasha introduced the comedy duo of Wegent and Page, a couple who used to be a couple, and now use the experiences of their relationship for great amusement. They also featured several skits, and Allison Page even did some puppeteering.

The Buds then played several more songs during "intermission", including originals by Bryan Harrison (BBud), Elisa M. Welch (EBud), and Jim McLaren (JBud). Though faced with a prior commitment, even DBud, Dave Coan, stayed for the second set.

The band was very pleased to see that most of the folks just stayed in or near their seats for that part of the show. "Big fun" said Jimmy. The set ended with a rousing rendition of White Rabbit, led by Elisa. At least one fan stated that EBud was "seriously channeling Grace Slick for that one".

Then it was time for Will Franken. A review of his art states that he is like a one-man Monte Python. What an incredible talented comedian he is. Never one to shy away from sensitive subjects, he manages to run the gamut of taboo subject matter in a way that has the crowd rolling with laughter.

It was a very fun night. Will's last bit featured a mention of a Bob Dylan song. The Buds followed that will a spirited version of "Like a Rolling Stone" to see the crowd out.

Great night in all respects.