Anniversary celebration

We are happy to announce the first anniversary of the musical marriage between Ramblin Jug Stompers and Tess' Lark Tavern. RJS first performed at the Lark (453 Madison Ave., Albany) back in January, 2006, and we've been back every month since then. (That's the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m., for those of you who haven't had the joyous experience of being there in person.)
We've worked our way through several waitresses in the past year, but Natasha (the current cutie with a tray) seems to be in it for the long haul. "I just love it when you guys play here," she told me on Monday. "Your crowd is so nice and friendly." Just thought you Jugheads might want to know that.
Anyway, the big anniversary show is at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, and of course, you're all invited. Hopefully, we'll be able to coax a few of the old RJS alumni (like Moanin Ed and Ryder) up onstage with us for a few songs throughout the show. And our pal Kevin McKrell (fabled singer-songwriter, leader of the fab Celtic-goes-bluegrass band the McKrells and former musical partner of Bowtie) has threatened to stop by, too. He sat in with us at the Old Iron Spring Festival in Ballston Spa back in the spring, and he's been itching to get together with us again ever since.
By the way, RJS will be donating all of our proceeds from our anniversary celebration to our friend, David Malachowski, who was beset by unexpected (and very expensive) medical problems over the holidays. David - who has played guitar in Savoy Brown and the Commander Cody Band, as well as serving as bandleader for a country singer named, what was her name again?, oh yeah, Shania Twain - is in need of some financial assistance, so we thought we'd help out a bit. So if you haven't bought your "Crooked Songs" CD or t-shirt yet, this would be a good time to do it, and help out a good friend and musician in need, while you're at it.

And while Tess' Lark Tavern is still Ramblin Jug Stompers' home base, we are thrilled to have a home-across-the-Hudson, too. The Ale House (at 680 River St., Troy) is our second home - great food and drink, funky atmosphere and owner Brian Gilchrist hosts some of the best musicians around - whether it's locals like the Lustre Kings and the Kamikaze Hearts or cool national touring acts like Bill Kirchen, Chris Knight and Deke Dickerson.
The Ale House also hosts regular bluegrass jam sessions led by Mike McMann, and members of RJS have been stopping by to join in the communal pickin festivities during the recent months.
Anyway, RJS played the Ale House back in December (with our pals Almost Awake sittin in on a half dozen tunes, just to add some spice to the affair), and we're thrilled to be back in the House spotlight again at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Admission is just $5, so bring your hungry/thirsty selves on down and join in the festivities. Of course, you can expect the usual unexpected surprises for this show. It just wouldn't be a RJS show without 'em, would it?