When MFB gets a night off, the guys like to check out other musicians playing around Philly-town. Here's some of MFB's favorites, links to their websites (if there is one), and some raves about each group or solo artist. Check out Johnny Meister's Blues Show on Saturday nights, 8 to 1. Or go to Roadhouse Radio for great info on the greater Philadelphia live blues music scene. October 2001... The Philadelphia music community lost another friend. Aldo Jones, bass player for the Ben Vaughn Combo, Kenn Kweder, the Rustics, Zydeco-a-go-go, Sister Blue, Go To Blazes and many others died this month of leukemia. A benefit concert September 23 at the Ruba Club involved almost everyone on the Philadelphia music scene. We all mourn his loss. February 16, 2000... MFB is mourning the loss of our friend Richard Johnson, who died recently of a heart attack at age 53. Richard was the singer, harp and guitar player for Philly Gumbo, considered by MFB and many others to be the greatest band ever from Philly. In recent years, Richard's band was the Walkin' Dawgs. Richard sat in with MFB very often at Center City locations, and played his last show with us at South Street Blues in late January. When MFB plays Mystery Train or Messing with the Kid, Richard will be with us. The Broad Street Boogie Band Frontman Shakey is backed up by Slo (guitar), Mike (bass), and Victor (drums). BSBB plays tasty traditional blues with a dance groove. Catch BSBB around Philly or over the bridge in New Jersey. You may have seen Shakey play harp with MFB. He also contributed 3 songs to Cheap Blues Cliches, plus played harp or slide guitar on other tracks. Shakey is also featured on two cuts on Stripped Down. Sister Blue Another MFB guest player, she is one of the greatest blues singers on the Philly scene, and an accomplished guitarist. She fronts The Sister Blue Band and also does acoustic duos, most recently with Steve Guyger. Sister and Mark Furman have done countless gigs together, and Sister has also performed with Zep Harpo, Roney (of Roney and the El Dorados), and Shakey. Flaming Harry "Hot Blues and Cool Tattoos." A Philadelphia area legend, Harry wrote the book on hard blues-rock. Catch his show at the Wagon Wheel with a plate of nachos for Roadhouse Heaven. Kris Kehr Kris is the best acoustic guitarist we know--his solo show is just amazing. Great songs all around...a singer/songwriter in the truest sense. He's also in a band called the Stone Poets, and also is a member of the Redd I. Ramblers (bluegrass band). Kris plays all through PA--Allentown, Reading, State College, Pittsburgh and Philly--link to his site for a look at his schedule (plus, it's a pretty cool site). Triple Play Party with MFB Producer John Bishop, MFB assistant producer Doug Placek, and Ron Jesz. The trio performs a blend of classic rock favorites, newer rock tunes, and original music. Come out to hear funky percussion, quirky banter and soaring harmonies...they do a memorable Sweet Judy Blue Eyes (doo doo doo, doo doo da doo doo). You'll catch them around Bucks County or in New Jersey, a couple times a month. Kid Red and the Rocket Guitarist Gary Cogdell pairs up with local harp legend Zep Harpo for great acoustic blues. The Hooligans An Irish band with a bang. Do you know and love these former Philly bands: About Face? The Fabulous Fondas? The Rustics? Then you know The Hooligans. Luke (frontman, from About Face), Joe (guitar, About Face), Pete (bass, Fondas), and Eddie O'K (drums, Rustics) are joined by traditional fiddle/whistle player Mark to give their own, indelible take on Irish songs, traditional and contemporary. The boys play in and around Philly, and probably play at your favorite Irish watering hole, so look for them and have a Guinness. Tell Luke we sent you. Richard Ray Farrell Traditional blues on guitar and harmonica. He's back in the area after years of playing in Europe.