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.

Food Banks & The Menlo Park Market Mewzic

Tis the season, and The Buds had the great pleasure of kicking off our efforts to help Bay Area Food Banks, by donating net proceeds from our gig at the Menlo Park Farmers' Market today. Turned out to be a pretty magical day. Great community. Wonderful folks. Beautiful weather... fun day with the band.

Thanks to FB friend, Andy Mason http://www.facebook.com/notes/andy-mason/attn-bay-area-musicians-lets-do-some-canned-food-drives/173964052667 , who instigated the push for Bay Area bands to lend their talents in a helping flagging food drive donations this year. The Buds are on-board.

You can also find links now on our site, at: http://www.TheBudsMusic.org/pages/foodbanks.html

SF Gate stated, "Food bank officials blame a variety of factors for the shortages, including the fact that Thanksgiving is a little earlier than normal this year and food prices are higher."

Suffice to say, donations are down. Please do your part to help others have more to feel thankful for this Thanksgiving - give to your local food bank. Find the one closest to you here: http://www.bayareahunger.org/your_foodbank.html.

On behalf of The Buds,
Bbud - Bryan