Happy Lucky Communique

Raqs Luminaire

2012-01-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

(click on bold white for links)

Pippin and Barry from Happy Lucky Combo will be accompanying some song and dance at Raqs Luminaire 2012, Dance of Lights this Sunday, Jan. 15, 3:00 PM at the Byrd Theater in Richmond Va. Tickets are $15.

Raqs Luminaire is an annual event organized by Khalima. She provides a venue, a team of tech people and a narrative structure for a variety of performers; dancers, singers, actors and musicians to participate.

This year the Russian folk tale of Baba Yaga and Vasilissa the Beautiful provides the overiding story line while performers interpret other folk tales in various genres; Bollywood/Indian, Caporereia/Brazilian, Bellydance, Cabaret... and various hybrids.

In collaboration with August Hoerr, we provide music for the character baba Yaga, incidental music, foley art and a piece composed for Khalima's dance.

Below is a teaser video by Arthur Stephens of a rehearsal that includes Rogue Bellydance Collective, Spoon, Onca and the Alexandra Dance Company. The opening music is a recording by Raquy and the Cavemen.

To the right are stills by Otway Chalkley and Arthur Stephens.

Frolic!

2011-12-30T10:32:00.000-08:00

It's time again for the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden New Years Family Frolic with the Ululating Mummies. It looks like it's going to be beautiful weather for the processional to the hill roll.

The frolicing is from 2 until 5. The Mummies play 2:30 until 4:30, with the the random countdown to New Years and processional at the end of the first set... 3:30 ish? The Monkey Butt chorus will be near the beginning of the first set.

And you may stay after 5 and walk through the gardens to view the Gardenfest of Lights!

Music, Beer and other Masculine Pursuits

2011-11-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

Bolly Belly Ballyhoo

2011-09-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky Combo with dancers Khalima, Kaitlyn, Johara and Cattleya. This is a PARTY after a day of bellydance and bollywood workshops. It's open to the public. Admission is $5. Doors open @ 10:30. Show starts @ 11:00.

After the floor show, Happy Lucky will play a couple of polkas for Oktoberfest and then DJ Carlito will spin Bollywood dance music.

Come Get Some Lovin'

2011-09-15T07:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky kicks off their "Come Get Some Lovin'" tour at Crossroads, 3600 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond VA, on Sept. 16, from 8-10PM. This will be the only show on the tour.

Happy Lucky will be performing as a trio. It is rumored that Nick Lewis may bring by his clarinet.

The following day Dave will be MCing the 43rd St Festival of the Arts in the afternoon. He's bringing his ukulele and bagpipes. Use that information as you see fit.

Pippin and Barry will be in Maryland with the Gourd Orchestra.

Sunday Barry performs with Khalima at Balliceaux for the Bellydance Brunch, noon till 2pm.

Next Wed. Sept. 21 Happy Lucky plays at Sabot School for an outdoor concert open to the public, @ 5:30 pm. Bring a picnic.

Refreshed and Rejuvinated...

2011-08-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky is all rested, refreshed and rejuvinated after our vacations and ready for a party! Please join us @ Crossroads this Saturday, August 13 from 8 - 10 PM.

Emily will be with us!

Click HERE for your video invitation.

Also, there will be a rare performance by the Ululating Mummies @ Twin Hickory Library on Aug. 18 @ 6:30 PM.

Click HERE for the library site.

Global A Go Go/ Bastille Day

2011-07-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM Karen Sokohl and myself, Barry Bless, will be joining Bill Lupoletti on his Global A Go Go, WRIR, radio show to play recordings of accordion music from around the world. We had a grand time planning the show and sharing some of our favorite accordion music with each other, and look forward to sharing it with you.

Click HERE for Bill's Global A Go Go blog which includes a playlist for the evening.

And click HERE for Karen's blog, Accordion to Karen for accordion goings on.

Saturday night Happy Lucky will play at Crossroads with Blasco and Emily for a Bastille Day celebration. Blasco will sing some old Parisian songs. And as you know, you can always expect surprises and a some sing-a-long.

We will play from 8-10 PM. Admission is free. There is really good beer, wine and food. Fun for all ages.

After this gig Happy Lucky is taking a little summer vacation, Bon Voyage.

Peculiar and Special

2011-06-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky hosts another Cacophonous Cabaret @ Crossroads, 3600 Forest Hill Ave. 8-10, Saturday June 25.

Emily Avesian will be our guest and we are expecting some surprise appearances. There will be song, dance and beer.

Will is opening a cask of special ale that must be finished this week end. Please help!

a wildly inappropriate evening

2011-06-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky presents another installment of Cacophonous Cabaret @ Crossroads, Southside, Saturday, June 11, from 8 - 10 pm. This week's guests are Harry "the hat" Kollatz Jr. and Blasco. Harry will will reading stories with musical (and possibly dance, Khalima?) accompaniment. Blasco will be singing Java Bleue, a dance hit in 1939 Paris. The Java was a wildly inappropriate dance.

And of course there will be sing-a-longs, beer and surprises.

Cacophony!!!

2011-05-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky returns to Crossroads this Saturday, May 28,
8 - 10 pm for the
Clanging, Catterwauling, Cacophonous Cabaret. This week we will be joined by Emily Avesian.

And of course you never know who might stop by....?

That morning we plan to play at the CrossRoadster @ the Forest Hill Park Market.

This is how we do it in Southside

2011-05-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky is back at Crossroads with another Cacophonous Cabaret this Saturday May 14 from 8 - 10 PM.

Last time we were joined by belly dancers Erin and Heather. We had a couple of fine sing-a-longs and as the night proceeded there was some fine dancing by Greg and Emma, see video above. The evening ended with two lovely dances, a tango and a waltz by Simona and Keith.

All and all a fine time was had by all. And we never play so loud that you can't hear all the Southside gossip.

This week we'll be joined by Bob Jacobs, accordionista! (my accordion hero)

And if we all wish real hard Khalima may come by to sing an ancient song, and she and others may dance.

"In Heaven there is no Beer"... and of course some sing-a-long!

Cacophonous Cabaret

2011-04-26T09:15:00.001-07:00

video: Arthur Stephens dancer: Johara

We are grateful that so many people came out to the Bellydance Ballyhoo. Lot’s of preparation went into this variety show. Thank you dancers, singers and musicians. And especially Khalima, without whom it would have never happened. We hope to make this a regular event.

To see more videos of the dancers go to the Happy Lucky Facebook page. Click HERE.

The Cacophonous Cabaret is back at Crossroads Southside this Saturday, April 30, from 8 – 10 PM. These bi-weekly events feature the Happy Lucky Combo and guests. Past guests have included Bob Jacobs/accordion and belly dancers from the Roque Bellydance Collective.

It looks like it is going to be clear and warm so the garage door will be open and you can take your beer onto the patio. Some of the beers on tap this week are the “extravagantly hopped” Green Flash IPA, Lagunitas’ “Little Sumthin’ Sumthin’”, Troggs Hopback Amber and a yet to be announced cask conditioned live ale.

Happy Lucky will provide the drinking songs.

Also this week we will perform at the Jackson Davis Elementary School Spring Carnival on Friday from 4:30 – 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. The PTA would love to see you at this fund-raiser. Poster right.

Jakson Davis Spring Carnival

2011-04-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Bellydance Ballyhoo

2011-04-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky joins Onca and Khalima and many other dancers for the Bellydance Ballyhoo @ Balliceaux, this Friday, April 22. The show starts @ 11 PM sharp. Balliceaux is located @ 203 N. Lombardy in the fan. Admission is $7.

This concert is the conclusion of a day of workshops. Emily Avesian will join Happy Lucky with clarinet and baritone. Weeks in preparation, this will be a variety show of song, dance, music and costume.

Cacophonous Cafe

2011-04-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came by the Wednesday Market on Forest Hill Ave. Remember it's open every Wed. and there is good food, prepared and unprepared, plants and crafts. Yummy pizza baked on site in an oven. And Happy Lucky will be back to play Wed. May 4th from 5 - 7 PM.

This Friday, April 15, Happy Lucky is back at Crossroads Southside for another Cacophonous Caberet, from 8 - 10 PM. It looks like it's going to be a beautiful Spring evening. The garage door will be open and you can take your beer on the patio.

Amoung the selections of beer this week are Hitachino White Ale from Japan and Kolsch 151 from Nelson County. Brew Globally Drink Locally! Also Will has been keeping a keg of live ale on hand.

I think we'll do some sing-a-long this Friday and we may have a musical guest or two... we'll preview some of the songs from the upcoming Bellydance Ballyhoo, see poster to right. Any dancers want to come by?

Happy Lucky and Collard Greens!

2011-04-04T11:43:00.002-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to see us at the VMFA and to Shari and other dancers for their wonderful dancing. Video above is by Karen Sokohl and the photo above that is by Arthur Stephens.

This Wednesday April 6, from 5:oo till 7:oo Happy Lucky is playing at the Forest Hill Market. That's the one near the intersection of Forest Hill and Westover Hills @ 4910 Forest Hill Ave., in the field next to the old Blockbusters.

For directions click HERE.

It's exciting that Farmer's Market Season is begining! Forest Hill Park Market starts May 7. Look for us at the Crossroadster (photo right).

April Fools!

2011-03-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky (trio) will play @ the Virginia Museum this April Fools Day, Friday, April 2, 2011.

They will perform in either the Best Cafe or the Atrium. The show begins at 6 and ends at 8pm. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available.

I know your thinking, this is some kind of April Fools joke... the Happy Lucky Combo playing at the prestigious VMFA. But we'll be there, groomed and perfumed and ready to entertain.

Oh and the picture above was in no way digitally manipulated by Stephen Williams.

Luck of the Irish

2011-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Musical purists beware! Happy Lucky will attempt to play Irish-like music on St. Patrick's Day @ Ellwoods Cafe. And because they can't sing a lick, they will ask you to sing along. Ooooh Dannyeeee Boyeeeee... They will also play some German Beer Hall music which comes much easier to them.

Showtime is 6:00 - 8:00pm. Admission is free. Ellwoods Cafe is at 10 S Thompson St across the parking lot from Ellwood Thompsons. We are holding off on the sing-a-long till our second set, so that Karen Sokohl, a huge fan of sing-a-longs, can join us. The wise may want to stay just for the first set.

If you want green beer then BYOF, bring your own food coloring.

and Good Luck!

Gemutlichkeit and BEER! Southside Style

2011-03-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Lucky will play at Crossroads Coffee (and BEER!) this Saturday, March 5, 2011, from 7:30 till 10:00. Admission is free.

Crossroads is located at 4600 Forest Hill Ave. Where Semmes Ave. and Forest Hill Ave. meet.

Crossroads just included BEER! and wine on there menu. They have seven unique beers on tap including Hopsecutioner, Russian Imperial Stout and Crispin Cider. A patio has just been completed. Happy Lucky will perform there Saturday nights starting this Saturday.

Come prepared for lots of social intercourse (and BEER!)... Gemutlichkeit Southside Style. Musically that means a clattering cafe, a clamorous carnival and a cacophonous cabaret.

"Crossroads, keeping the oral tradition alive through social intercourse." (and BEER!)

Celebrate Lunar/Chinese New Year

2011-02-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Ululating Mummies @ Balliceaux, 203 N. Lombardy St., Saturday, Feb. 5, 10:30 PM

Goings On

2011-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

photo Arthur Stephens

We had a grand time with everyone @ the Happy Lucky Cabaret @ Ellwood's Cafe. For photos and video of the merriment click HERE. Roll out the barrel! Thank you Khalima, Emily and Paul for joining us. (photos right)

This Saturday, January 29th, Pippin and Paul Watson will be performing @ Balliceaux with And the Wiremen. Doors open @ 10:30, Admission $5

Also Happy Lucky will join The Ululating

Mummies for a Chinese New Years Celebration on Saturday Feb. 5. @ Baliceaux.

Ellwoods Cafe

2011-01-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Lucky will play @ Ellwood's Cafe, corner of Ellwood and Thompson in Carytown, this Saturday, January 22, from 6 until 8 PM. We will be joined by musicians Emily Avesian, baritone sax/clarinet and Paul Watson cornet. Khalima will perform Oriental Dance.

On Sunday Khalima and friends will perform at The Byrd Theatre at 2:30 PM. Click HERE for details. And Heather Addley will be posting an after party @ Balliceaux. Click HERE for details.

Pippin and Paul will be playing with And The Wiremen @ Balliceaux January 29. Click HERE.

And look for The Ululating Mummies Chinese New Year @ Balliceaux Feb. 5.

a few of our favorite things from 2010

2011-01-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

playing with Karen @ the Farmer's Market Southside (photo Jennifer Watson)

a gift from Steve Williams

we love House Parties

and Birthday Parties

and Chanukah Parties (photo John Shire)

and writing and recording music, coming soon... (design Jennifer Watson)

and performing with Khalima (photo Otway Chalkley)

marching with The Ululating Mummies (photo Catherine Farmer)

playing with Emily (photo Otway Chalkley)

and Bob

participating in the Musicircus (photo Amy Alt)

more parties!

Mom and Apple Pie and Fairies

recording and sharing our music (design Jennifer Watson)

playing with Jonathan and Harry (photo Aimee Oliver)

graduating VCU students with The Ululating Mummies

playing at the Crossroadster (photo Charles Sugg)

getting the whole gang together

performing @ Ellwood Thompsons great room (video Arthur Stephens)

playing at the Listening Room

bringing guests into the studio to record (video Christopher Hibbon)

Mummies New Year!

2010-12-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

Dave, Pippin and Barry will be playing with the Ululating Mummies @ Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on New Years Eve Day, Dec. 31. The event starts @ 2 PM. The other mummies' on this gig will be Danny Finney, Robbie Kinter, Stephen Williams and Paul Watson.

The event is included with garden admission fee and includes the Garden Festival of Lights.

Rehearsals have been jocular, boisterous and full of buffoonery. It's great to reconnect with band members for this annual event. In the coming year we hope to perform more often. Look for us @ Balliceaux in February.

Also Danny and Robbie will be playing with Rattlemouth @ The Nile New Years Eve beginning @ 10 PM.

The Listening Room

2010-10-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

POSTER: Graham Neal

Happy Lucky performs this coming Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at The Listening Room, 1133 W. Franklin St. Richmond VA. Click HERE for a map.

Parking is available on the street and there is a parking lot just east of The Listening Room on the right and a parking deck on the left.

Doors open at 7:30 and the show begins at 8:00 sharp. There are three bands and we are playing last. The first two bands are Exebelle and the Rusted Calvacade and River City Band. We should begin our set at about 9:15.

Admission is free. There is coffee, tea and pastries courtesy of Kendra of Ipanema and Williams Bakery. Donations are welcomed.

Click HERE for The Listening Room Facebook page.

Click HERE for The Listening Room, Volume XII Facebook page.

And The Wiremen

2010-09-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to enlarge

First of all, before I tell you about And The Wiremen, we really enjoyed performing for everyone at Ellwood's Cafe last Friday. Special thanks to our guests Emily and Khalima and to Ellwood's for having us.

There were lot's of jokes about all the paparazzi present. One of them, Otway, put together the piquant photo above which he calls "The Press Corps". I don't think I've been part of an event that was so well documented! I guess we have Khalima to thank for that. For more videos and photos visit our Facebook page. Click HERE. You'll find Otway's blog there as well as photos by Charles Sugg, Heather Addley, Arthur Stephens and a video by Doug Hayes.

Karen Sokhol, accordion player and writter was present and included us in her blog Accordion to Karen. Click HERE.

Onward... I know this is short notice but Pippin is performing with And the Wireman at The Listening Room, Tuesday, Sept. 21 , 7:30 till 10:30 PM. Also performing will be Paul Watson and former Richmond resident Blasco. Click HERE for more info.

We're Back!

2010-09-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

photo:Heather Addley

Happy Lucky will perform @ Ellwoods Cafe on Friday, Sept. 17 from 8 - 10 PM. Oriental dancer Khalima will be our guest. It is also rumored that Emily Avesian (photo right) will be playing with us. Admission is free.

It's good to be back. Look for us at Ellwoods Cafe, O'Toole's Pub and Crossroads Coffee...

Also this Thursday, Sept. 16, from 9-10 PM we will be part of the MUSICIRCUS (photo right) @ the Visual Arts Center, 1812 W. Main St. This event is organized anually by Brian Jones and is inspired by a concept created by John Cage, in which a whole bunch of musicians play music simultaneously in the same space. If last year is any indication it is sure to be a boistrous, cacaphonous hullabaloo!

We continue working on our upcoming CD "Lucky Buddha". It should be available sometime this Fall. Stephen Williams and John Winn (photos right) have both come into Pippin's studio to help out.

I (Barry) performed solo on the street and loved it. Dave just got a battery powered amp for his bass... so look for the trio on the street...

Out to Lunch

2010-07-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky is "out to lunch" until the middle of August. During this time we will be working on our new recording Lucky Buddha, which will be available in the Fall. This will be the second in our series of CD's with collage art by Jennifer Watson.

It has been fun seeing everyone at the Farmers Market when we play at The Cossroadster. We'll return in August.

It' been a pleasure meeting and working with Khalima.(photo right)

And it's been gratifying to ride around town and hear our CD Carnival of Sound played on WRIR. Last month we made their top ten list of most played World Music. Thank you WRIR. Click HERE for list. It's humbling to be in the company of the other musicians on this list.

Also thank you to Style and Richmond Magazine for favorable mentions this month.

See y'all in August. Hopefully the well stays capped and we get some more rain...

Ellwood's Coffee/ Lewis Ginter

2010-06-30T05:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky plays twice this week. Saturday evening, July 3, from 8 - 10pm we perform @ Ellwoods Coffee with our friend Khalima. She puts on a great oriental dance floor show!

Remember Ellwood's doesn't serve just coffee but wine, beer and food too. Click HERE for menu.

On Sunday July 4th we will be @ Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens from 1:30 - 3:30pm. The Fourth of July event is from 1-4pm and admission to the garden is free. We play down near the water park and the tree house, so you might want to bring a swim suit.

The Crossroadster and Happy Lucky are taking a break from the Forest Hill Market for a week or two.

at the Crossroadster

2010-06-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Lucky will be back at The Forest Hill Market Saturday June 19, from 10 - 12 noon. Look for us at the Crossroadster (photo right). Karen Sokohl (above) will come by and play a couple of tunes with us at 11. She is an accordion student and needs some experience playing in public. We'll be there to catch you if you fall Karen!

Great show with Khalima (photo right) at The Republic last week. For some video that Doug Hayes shot, click HERE. She will be dancing with us at Ellwoods Coffee July 3rd, 8 - 10 PM.

Khalima and Happy Lucky

2010-06-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

video: Doug Hayes

Khalima has invited Happy Lucky to be part of her show @ The Republic this Sunday, June 13, 8 - 10 PM. Admission is free. Here is the link to the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119517194746204&ref=mf

We will not be at The Crossroadster/Forest Hill Market this Saturday, but hope to return on June 19th.

Otway Chalkley made some fun and wonderful photo collages from our performance at the Crossroadster last week. You can see them on The Otway Blog (click).

Market Party

2010-06-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will be back @ The Crossroadster in the Forest Hill Park Market this Saturday from 10 am till noon. We are under a tent where you can enjoy Kirsten's (above) homemade cinnimon buns and coffee from the Crossroadster (photo right). Kirsten and Ted also serve yummy vegetarian gyros and the Crossroadster has all kinds of drinks.

Also at 11 am we are expecting a visit from belly dancer Khalima (photo right). We'll do a number with her to get ready for our up coming show at The Republic June13.

We will also have our new CD available.

Conviviality!

2010-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will be making merry again at the Crossroadster Cafe on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 am till noon at the Forest Hill Park Market.

To quote Style reviewer Deveron Timberlake "two thirds of the Happy Lucky Combo held forth on accordion and drums...setting a convivial tone."

This week Dave will join us on bass. And there is talk of Carter coming by for some double bass fun. If Carter comes by you'll get to hear some of Dave's ukulele playing!

So come on by for some coffee, food and scrumptious cinnamon buns made by Kirsten Perkinson. There is a canopy, chairs, tables and of course, conviviality!

CD, Balliceaux, WRIR

2010-04-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

The CD, "Carnival of Sound", has arrived and is available at Crossroads Coffee Southside. It's $5.

We perform live on WRIR radio, tonight, Friday April 23 from 5:30 till 6:30 on Bill Lupoletti's show Global A Go Go. We will be joined by Jonathan Greenberg, trumpet and Bob Jacobs, accordion.

We perform at Balliceaux, tonight, April 23 starting at 11:00 pm. We will be joined by Jonathan Greenberg, tumpet and John Winn, clarinet, bass clarinet and soprano sax. It will be a grand affair!

Happy Lucky Carnival of Sound

2010-04-14T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will celebrate the completion of our new EP, "Carnival of Sound" at Balliceaux, on Friday, April 23 at 11pm. We will be joined by Jonathan Greenberg trumpet and John Winn clarinet.

Earlier that evening at 5:30pm, we will be on Bill Lupoletti's WRIR radio show Global A Go Go. We will be joined there by Bob Jacobs accordion and Jonathan Greenberg.

"Carnival of Sound" is the first in a series of recordings. It will be available for $5 at Crossroads Coffee Southside on Wed. April 21st. Swap 'em, trade 'em, be the first to collect them all!

"Carnival of Sound", Balliceaux, WRIR

2010-04-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!! Our 1st EP "Carnival of Sound" will be available April 23rd. It is the first in a series. Each EP is themed with a collage by Jennifer Watson. And only $5. "Carnival of Sound" will be available at Crossroads Coffee southside.

And we're having a big party on April 23rd. In the early evening we will be on Global A Go Go with Bill Lupolleti as part of the WRIR fund raising party. That's from 5:30 till 6:30 PM. We will be joined by Jonathan Greenberg trumpet and Bob Jacobs accordion. Unfortunately, for us, Nick Lewis and Emily Avesian who are on "Carnival of Sound" are playing an opera that night.

Later that night we will celebrate @ Balliceaux @ 11:00 PM. There we will be joined by John Winn. I don't say this often, but you really don't want to miss this!

I'm sorry to report that we are taking a break from O'Toole's until summer. We'll see you there, then!

O'Toole's, a House Party and The Faith Tones

2010-03-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

above House Party!

The Happy Lucky Combo is back at O'Toole's this Wednesday, March 24 from 8 - 10:30 PM. Emily Avesian (right) will be there with us. Other expected guests are Bob Jacobs, accordion (right) and Jeff Adams, tenor (right).

We play at O'Toole's every 2nd and 4th Wed. The 2nd Wed. of this month we had to cancel. But Karen Weatherspoon Sokohl (photo above) and Cassandra Cossitt brought a lot of people to come hear us. So that Friday they got everyone together and we played at Karen's house. What a wild house party that turned out to be! See our Facebook page for more photos.

Mazel tov Noah Kim! We enjoyed playing Hava Nagila a million times really loud and fast at your Bar Mitzvah. If anyone has photos send them our way.

Our CD "Carnival of Sound" goes to press on Monday! It will be available in April.

Also in April we play at Balliceaux on Friday the 23rd @ 11 pm. Earlier that evening we play at WRIR on Bill Lupoletti's show Global A Go-Go.

Also thank you Stephen Williams for designing the Faith Tones album cover to the right!

Guest, Bob Jacobs

2010-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will play @ O'Toole's this Wednesday, February 24, from 8 - 10:30 pm. Our guest will be Bob Jacobs (above). Admission is free.

Well Groomed and Perfumed

2010-02-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo, with Emily Avesian, will perform at Ellwood's Coffee this Saturday, February 13, from 7 until 9 pm. This is Valentines Day Eve, so we will be well groomed and perfumed. And we'll be playing our romantic love songs, for you, our beloved audience.

O'Toole's, Ellwood's, Danny Boy

2010-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo is back at O'Toole's this Wednesday. See poster above. Friend Emily Avesian will be there, with her brand spakin' new clarinet.

We will also be at Ellwoods Coffee this coming Saturday, February 13, from 7 till 9 PM.

Admission is free to both events.

The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra submitted their version of Danny Boy for the WCVE Danny Boy Project. Click HERE to hear our submission.

Emily's Back!

2010-01-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo performs @ O'Toole's this Wednesday from 8:00 till 10:30 PM. Emily Avesian will be joining us on baritone sax, and this time she's bringing her clarinet too! Admission is free.

Our CD is so close to completion you can almost hear it. And I don't mean metaphorically.

Pippin and I have been busy with the Gourd Orchestra working on a version of Danny Boy for the WCVE Danny Boy Project.

Haiti

2010-01-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

I recieved the letter below from our friends at the Highland Support Project, Guadalupe Ramerez and Ben Blevins. I found it helpful and wanted to pass it along. I posted the Maya Deren video above, of the Haitian countryside and religous ceremonies.

We all want to help the people of Haiti as they deal with the horrific consequences of yesterday’s earthquake. While HSP isn’t capable of doing emergency relief work outside of Guatemala, we can recommend good folks who do, that you can donate to. Personally, I’ll be donating through Oxfam to help provide immediate emergency assistance.

HSP’s sister nonprofit in Guatemala, AMA (Asociacion de Mujeres del Altiplano), is also planning to donate funds as an organization. The impoverished Mayan women in AMA’s women’s circles plan to raise $250 for women and families in Haiti by the end of this week. These AMA women and their families live on an average of $300 a year, less than $1 a day, making their donation all the more meaningful.

AMA's intentions remind us of the parable of the Widow’s Gift (Mark 12:41-43), in which a poor widow gives her last two copper coins, and thus the greatest gift of all – all she has. AMA will be making their donation through Rights Action, an organization that supports grassroots humanitarian organizing internationally.

Give Now to these HSP recommended organizations

Oxfam has long experience in Haiti and is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation where our assistance is most needed.

Rights Action funds and works with community development, environmental justice, human rights and disaster relief organizations in Guatemala and Honduras, and also in El Salvador, Haiti, Oaxaca and Chiapas.

Direct Relief has an ongoing "Emergency Pre-Positioning Program" and a program in Haiti that stages essential medical materials on site with key partners for immediate use in emergency situations

Southside Style

2010-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came to hear The Ululating Mummies at the Blue Moon New Years Concert (photo above). Great crowd. Great fun. The Mummies hope to play more often in the coming year.

The Happy Lucky Combo plays at O'Toole's this Wednesday, January 13, from 8:00 till 10:30 PM. We have a busy season planned with another Yiddish Cabaret coming up, a Valentines' Eve concert and the release of our CD "Carnival of Sound". But this Wednesday we're going to start out slow, try out some new tunes, and drink some Legend Brown Ale. You know... Southside Style.

Frolic

2009-12-30T09:38:00.001-08:00

photo: Charles Sugg

The Ululating Mummies frolic tomorrow, December 31st, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. The New Years Family Frolic begins at 2:00 PM and ends at 5:00 PM and is free with admission to the gardens or membership. The Mummies will start at 2:30 PM. Our first set will be our long one and include our random New Years count down. There will be crafts and noise maker making. We will pay a second set and end at 4:30.

Ancient mummies Stephen Williams and Paul Watson will be playing with. Rehearsals are producing a joyous noise! The photo above is of the band when Paul and Steve were regular members.

The Festival of Lights is still going on if you want to make an evening of it.

See blog entry below for Mummy photos etc.

New Years Eve

2009-12-25T19:19:00.000-08:00

photo: Arthur Stephens

The Ululating Mummies will play at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for the New Years Eve Family Frolic on New Years Eve day. The exact time of the Mummies performance is yet to be decided but we will perform two sets between 2 and 5 PM. The holiday lights will still be on display in the garden if you want to make a night of it. There will also be crafts and the making of noise makers.

The Mummies this year will include old time members Paul Watson, coronet and Stephen Williams, guitar.

Many new (old) pictures have been posted on the Facebook Ululating Mummies Fan Page. Thanks to all that joined the page and became members. Click HERE to see that Facebook page.

See upper right gig calendar for upcoming Happy Lucky Combo gigs.

Happy Lucky Holidays

2009-12-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Happy Lucky Combo. Thought you might enjoy this video. Thank you Larry Yates for passing it on.

The Ululating Mummies play on New Years Eve day at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for their New Years Eve Family Frolic. When we find out exactly when we play I'll let you know. It will be two sets between 2 and 5 PM. Also that night the garden lights will still be up if you want to make an evening of it.

This year the Mummies will be joined by old time members, Paul Watson and Stephen Williams.

Check out The Ululating Mummies Facebook Page for lot's of new photos.

Please note gig calendar, upper right, for Happy Lucky Combo gigs.

Also if you haven't visited the Happy Lucky Combo website in a while click HERE. We 're almost at 10,000 visits!

And what a great Years End Party last week! Thank you to everyone. We will be having another Yiddish Cabaret in the near future. See Facebook Page for photos.

2009-12-13T19:10:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will be celebrating Hanaramakwanzamas Season with a Year's End Party this Wednesday Dec. 16 @ O'Toole's from 8:00 - 10:30 PM. Admission is FREE. There will be lots of musical guests including, Emily Avesian, baritone sax, Bob Jacobs accordion, Marcy Horwitz accordion (count 'em), Miles Barnett violin, Isadora and Odessa Bless vocals... it is even rumored that we may have a visit from John Winn clarinet and Daniel Clark melodian. Wow!

The Happy Lucky Combo has had a happy and lucky year. It has been gratifying to be part of the Southside Renaissance, to perform for gracious audiences and to have been able to play with some of the city's most... well... playful musicians. Thank you all.

Ellwoods Coffee, Rent Us for a Holiday Present

2009-12-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

The HaPpY LuCkY CoMbO returns to Ellwoods Coffee this Saturday evening, December 12, from 7 - 9:00 PM. Admission is free. Ellwoods serves beer and wine as well as food and coffee. We love playing there because the room has great acoustics. Admission is FREE!

December 9th is the last day to bid on a private performance by The Happy Lucky Combo. We have volunteered our time as part of a fund raiser for the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts. Click HERE to bid. We'd make a great Christmas present.

Pippin is playing again with And the Wireman @ Balliceaux. They will perform Thursday Dec. 10 @ 8:30 PM. Paul Watson will also play.

We'll be back at O'Toole's NEXT Wednesday, December 16. We're expecting a visit from Bob Jacobs, accordionista and Emily Avesian, baritonista. Expect some holiday music.

Also The Ululating Mummies will be playing @ Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on New Years Eve afternoon.... details to come. Click HERE for more info. You can click HERE for Mummies Facebook page.

Carl Kasell Thanksgiving and Us Under Your Tree?

2009-11-23T04:55:00.001-08:00

photo: Tony Maimone

The photo above is The Happy Lucky Combo with guest Bob Jacobs, at our last O'Toole's gig. It's always exciting to play with Bob. Dueling accordions?...well let's just say we were lovin', not fightin'. Bob will be back with us on Wed. December 16.

Fans of Emily Avesian will be pleased to hear that she will come out and play with us this Wednesday, November 25th, at O'Toole's.

It is also rumored that Nick Lewis will come by.

Also, Wednesday is Mile's (Pippin's son) birthday, and we'll be celebrating. Hopefully he'll bring his violin.

Pippin's Nov. 12th performance with And the Wiremen, was wonderful. They'll be playing again in Richmond soon...

And don't forget, Thanksgiving night WCVE will broadcast the 2009 edition of Virginia Arts and Letters Live, of which we were a part. This years performance was hosted by Carl Kasell.

Need a unique Christmas present? You can bid onThe Happy Lucky Combo HERE. This auction is to benifit the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts.

If you're around Saturday night check out our friend John Winn and friends @ Bogarts from 9:30 till 1:00.

A Video, an Auction, and Dueling Accordions

2009-11-10T07:47:00.001-08:00

Dave arranged the Happy Lucky Combo song, Yemaya, for 150 music students from Midlothian Middle School and James River High School. See video above.

The HaPpY LuCkY CoMbO is back at O'Toole's this Wednesday, November 11th, from 8:00 until 10:30 PM. Our guest this week will be accordionista Bob Jacobs (photo right). Dueling Accordions!

Last week we had a delicious time "cooking with Carter" (photo right) and, as if on cue, Nicholas Lewis (photo right) came by and offered up dessert. And it was yummy! I went by O'Toole's today and the cook wants more! (for real)

As of the publishing of this blog, I can only say that it is rumored, that this week we will have a visit from Nick.

Upcoming events include a Thanksgiving Eve airing of the Virginia Arts and Letters Live performance, of which we were a part, and a Dec. 12 performance at Ellwoods Coffee. And the inevetable release (escape?) of our CD.

Also, Pippin is perorming with And the Wiremen on Thursday November 12, 8:30 PM @ Balliceaux, 203 N. Lombardy St. ( the old Bogarts). Pippin's been working hard in preparation and says it's been challenging learning the new rhythyms he describes as Brazilian-like. Local musician Paul Watson is a member of this group that is based in NYC.

We've volunteered to be part of the Patrick Henry Charter School auction by offering to have our musical services put up for bid. This is an on-line auction. Hint, we're perfect for a holiday party.

Musicircus: a "near death experience"?

2009-10-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

Musicircus

photo: Amie oliver

"I saw shadowy figures in a long tunnel or hall, and then light, and the music of The HaPpY LucKy CoMbO".

Harry Kollatz, Flaneur

Thank you to everyone who came out to the chaotic and cacaphonous Musicircus. I'm sure everyones experience was different. For us it was part fun, and part enlightening near death experience. Can't wait till next year! (click HERE for photos by Dean Christesen)

The Happy Lucky Combo is back home at O'Toole's this Wednesday, October 28, 8 - 10:30 PM. This week we have special guest Carter Blough (photo upper right) on the bass fiddle!

The way it's been working out the trio plays a set and then we're joined by others. Last week it was Emily Avesian (painting right), baritone, and Jeff Adams (photo right), tenor. I can't wait to see who and what happens this week. See you there!

Our friend John Winn will have his composition "The More Things Change" debuted by the Oberon String Quartet on Tuesday, October 27, 7:30 PM @ St. Christopher's School Upper School Chapel, 711 St. Christophers Rd.

Musicircus

2009-10-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

What is a photo of John Cage doing on our blog? Let me explain.

This year The Happy Lucky Combo will be performing as part of our local Musicircus. Musicircus is a performance concept originated by John Cage.

He explained it this way:

"The idea of this composition is nothing more than an invitation to a number of musicians, who perform simultaneously anything or in any way they desire."

Brian Jones is the organizer and is bringing together a multitude (around 60) of musicians. It happens this Thursday, Oct. 22, from 9:30 until 10:00 PM at The Visual Arts Center. The performance is free and open to the public.

Thank you to everyone who came out last week to O'Toole's. Emily brought her friend Jeff Adams, "the demon of beat street", to sit in (photo left). We hope to have Jeff back soon.

And Happy 30th Anniversary to Rostov's Coffee and Tea! That was a great party and the best smellin' gig we've been on.

For your AMUSEMENT: Cage-Water Walk

See you next Wed. at O'Toole's!

Sad and Happy

2009-10-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

HLC @ Ellwoods Coffee Photo: Charles Sugg

It's sad to have the Folk Festival come to an end, but The Happy Lucky Combo will be tapping the music keg @ O'Toole's this week, Wednesday, October 14, from 8 till 10:30 PM.

Thank you to everyone who came out last time at O'Toole's. It was a wonderfully "spirited" carnivalesque crowd. Seemed like everyone won a prize.

Bob Jacobs, the accordion player from Gypsy Roots sat in with us, and he was great. Emily Avesian also came by with her baritone to help fill out the Happy Lucky "big town sound".

And thank you to the sophisticated Cafe crowd who came to hear us at Ellwoods Coffee. We've been invited back and will let you know more.

People are requesting more button accordion songs. We've added one more for this week. It's called "Beer".

And what a time we all at had the Richmond Folk Festival! Thanks to those who came by to see Pippin and I perform with The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra at the "Southside Stage".

And thank you Venture Richmond and all the volunteers! The party's over... until Wednesday.

Propagate Globally, Cultivate Locally

2009-10-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra has landed

Pippin and Barry will be performing at the Richmond Folk Festival this weekend with the Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra.

They perform at 1:00 PM on Saturday and 2:00 PM on Sunday at the Parawing in the Family Area.

The Orchestra will also be present at the Gourd Shack, next to the Parawing, propagating their vast, if questionable, knowledge, from noon until 3:00 PM each day.

The Happy Lucky Combo is back at O'Toole's on Wednesday October 14 and Rostov's Coffee on Thursday evening October 15.

Rare North of the James Appearance

2009-10-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

In a rare appearance on the Northside of the James River the HaPpY LuCkY CoMbO will bring it's "Carnival of Sound" to Ellwoods Coffee. "The only band in town to give away prizes", they will have their "Cart of Good Fortune" stocked with curiosities from exotic and faraway places... like China.

The show starts at 7 PM and ends at 9 PM. Admission is FREE. Ellwood's serves wine, beer and food.

I'm just sayin', you know, if you want to have fun...

Accordions Must Predominate

2009-09-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Photo: Arthur Stephens

A while back Pippin and I made a vow to play with people who are better than we are. So continuing in that spirit, Bob Jacobs (photo above) will join us this Wednesday at O'Toole's. Bob plays locally with Gypsy Roots and has had a long and fruitful accordion career. My favorite story is when he played for Lawrence Welk at a book signing.

The Happy Lucky Combo will also be playing at Ellwoods Coffee this Saturday, October 3. This is our first gig there, so we hope a lot of friends from the North side of the River will come by. Admission is free. It is smoke free and beer and wine are served. We play from 7:00 until 9:00 PM.

RUMOR: Emily Avesian, baritone sax, will join us at O'Toole's.

For your AMUSEMENT; a Gang of Accordions, CLICK HERE.

Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.

A Watercolor, a Wedding and Britney Spears

2009-09-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

The image above is a watercolor of Emily, our baritone player, by Jason Roane. His work is being displayed at Like Water Gallery.

EXPOSE: Emily came into Pippin's basement studio this week to record a couple of songs with us. Dave laid down some ukulele tracks. Our recording "Carnival of Sound" should be completed soon.

Thank you to everyone who came by O'Toole's last week. Nick Lewis (photo right) dropped in after Symphony rehearsal. Always a pleasure to play with Nick. Good to see old friends and meet new ones.

The Happy Lucky Combo will play next Wednesday, September 30th, at O'Toole's.

RUMOR: We will have a very special surprise guest.

Congratulations Becca and Andy Coppola. We were honored to play at your wedding (photo right). It's always fun to play for people who love to celebrate and dance.

For your AMUSEMENT: The Russian Ladies sing Britney Spears Thank you Micol Hammack for this link.

Pippin and Barry are playing a lot with The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra (photo right), including Chesterfest this Saturday.

Our friends with Hotel X will be performing at The Jazz and Beyond Festival this Friday.

ALSO, I have reworked the blog to make it easy to leave comments. If you are so inclined, please do.

We're Back!

2009-09-14T10:38:00.001-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo is back at O'Toole's this Wednesday, September 16, from 8:00 until 10:30 PM. There is no cover charge and O'Toole's is smoke free. About six months ago O'Toole's expanded, so there is lot's of room.

RUMOR: Nick Lewis and Emily Avesian may drop by to play after Symphony rehearsal. Other friends are invited.

We've missed playing O'Toole's. It will be good to see you all again.

For your AMUSEMENT click HERE.

After August's slumber...

2009-09-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Photo: Jon Graham

The Happy Lucky Combo laid low in August. We've been recording, working on new songs and getting ready for a busy autumn. Songs featuring the button accordion are being worked into our repertoire. See top right for upcoming gigs.

Pippin has been busy getting ready for the big Benny-Fit where the Orthotonics , pictured above, will awake from their twenty year slumber to play again, for one night only! Click HERE for more info.

And Dave?... well he's taken up the ukulele... for real.

Thanks again to Todd Woodson for another entertaining YouTube link: Indian Beatles

A Man and his Studio

2009-08-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo is recording in Pippin's studio. We've had a lot of requests for recordings so we're producing a series of CD's with a handful of songs on each. Jennifer Watson has created hand-made collages for the covers. The first two will be "Carnival of Sound" and "Lucky Buddha". Both are pictured on the right.

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will be back home at O'Toole's this Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 8 until 10:30 PM. We have some new songs we look forward to playing for you. And we've dusted off some old ones.

RUMOR CONFIRMED: Emily Avesian (photo right) will be taking a break from playing in the pit orchestra at Dogwood Dell to come by. For more info on "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" click HERE.

Happy Birthday Timothy

2009-08-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo played at Timothy McClellan's (fourth from left) 50th birthday party. Lot's of laughter, sweaty dancing, good food, party games (including a unicorn pinata!) and really good people.

The beautiful woman in the photo is Timothy's wife Helen.

To check out Timothy's artwork click here; http://tsmcclellan.typepad.com/

Chesterfield County Fine Arts Academy

2009-08-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo performed at the Arts Camp/Academy. What a great group of teachers and children. And man can they dance!
To the left is the Global Percussion Orchestra led by Brian Sheetz.

Below is the string ensemble led by David Hartley.

Making Noise in the Library

2009-07-26T11:19:00.001-07:00

The photo below was taken by Charles Stokdon. He is a librarian at the main branch of the Richmond Public Library. He took the picture during The Richmond Symphonies' "Music Free for All".

Queen Jarene? @ O'Toole's

2009-07-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you Daniel Clark, John Winn and Emily Avesian (left to right above) for playing with us on our last O'Toole's gig. It was a joy. You are always welcome to come by. This Wednesday?

RUMORED: Jarene Fleming is in town. This has been substantiated. What is less certain is if she will come by O'Toole's, Wednesday, July 8, to sing a few with The Happy Lucky Combo . If anyone talks with her please confirm.

ALSO RUMORED: The young and beautiful, Emily Avesian will return to to front the band of crusty old guys.

If these rumors prove false the trio will play their broken hearts out.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on July 4th. That's us with the Butterfly Fairy, photo top right.

agri-Culture and July Fourth

2009-07-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Pippin and Barry are playing this week at libraries across the region with The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra Trio, putting the "culture back into agriculture".

The Happy Lucky Combo plays at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on July Fourth. And at O'Toole's Wednesday July 8.

Southside Renaissance Blossoms

2009-06-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo plays this week, Wednesday, June 24 at O'Toole's. We will be joined by fellow Southsider John Winn and Emily Avesian.

It is rumored that Daniel Clark, fresh off his talk show tour with Mandy Moore, will join us on melodian.

Last week we actually had a string section with Angela Lehman-Rios on cello and Miles Barnett on violin. Be sure you check out Angela's blog, "The People's Snob".

I guess that's all for now. We continue to talk with Will at Crossroads about doing music and a jingle for their new truck, the "Crossroadster". We work on our album "Carnival of Sound". We play July 4th at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in the afternoon.

For your amusement please click HERE. (Stick with it. It's worth it.)

A sonorous evening

2009-06-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have it from reliable sources, themselves, that Emily Avesian, baritone sax, and Angela Lehman-Rios, cello, will be joining The Happy Lucky Combo at O'Toole's this evening, Wednesday, June 10. The music will begin at 8:00 and is free and open to the public.

Fourth Wednesday!

2009-05-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's the fourth Wednesday of the month. And in Southside that means music, prizes (pictured above) beer, liver and chess. Yes the Happy Lucky Combo will be at O'Toole's tonight to further celebrate the blossoming of the Southside Renaissance.

People from all parts of town are welcome.

Carnival of Sound

2009-05-19T06:33:00.000-07:00

RUMORED: The Happy Lucky Combo is returning to the studio to record and work on new music. They will be making "bite-size" albums with a handful of songs on each.

Jennifer Watson has designed collages for each album cover. They are handmade with "paper, scissors, glue..."

The first one made available will be "Carnival of Sound", above.

EXPOSED: The Happy Lucky Combo will only be at O'Tooles for two Wednesdays a month, the second and fourth. For the remainder of May that would be May 27. For June, June 10 and 24.

AMUSEMENT: Marlene Dietrich screen test

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Mother's Day Concert in Forest Hill Park. It was the largest "Music in the Park" crowd yet.

What a "wunerful wunerful" evening, "we love you madly"! (to quote two of the greats.)

More photos @ Hills and Heights.

We hope to see you at O'Toole's on Wednesday. We'll be there from 8 until 10:30 PM. Hopefully some musical guests will come by. Last week we were visited again by Emily Avesian. Angela Lehman-Rios (photo right) also came by and performed with us on her cello, a round gorgeous sound.

Check out Angela's music blog, The People's Snob.

It is rumored that Bob Jacobs from Gypsy Roots might bring his accordion by this week.

Happy Lucky Mother's Day!

2009-05-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will open the "Music in the Park" concert series on Mother's Day, May 10, from 6 until 8 PM. The location is next to the Stone House in Forest Hill Park.

John Winn, clarinet, (photo left) will be their guest.

Bring a blanket and have a picnic. The weather forecast looks good. Click Here for weather updates.

The Happy Lucky Combo will also be at O'Toole's again this week .

2009-05-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Big Times at O'Toole's

2009-04-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

Emily Avesian will join The Happy Lucky Combo, again, at O'Toole's. That's tonight, Wednesday April 29, 8 until 10:30 PM.

Last week we were also joined by Nick Lewis. He says he'll be by later tonight.

Who knows who else might come by?

Richard Grossman is bringing his crew of NCAA fans and it is rumored that another entourage might wander in.

The "Southside Economic Stimulus Package" has been stocked with special Prizes.

Thank you Tom Campagnoli for the photos from last week. To see Tom's blog click here Kozmicdogz Breaks Loose.

Hey, our Facebook fan page passed 400 this week. Click HERE. Thanks Micol for "administering" the fan page.

And our Popidiot video is almost at 1000. 10 more hits to go. Click HERE.

We slowly progress at Southside speed. (not to be confused with Southside Speedway) Hope to have a recording available soon.

Monkeys and Crickets

2009-04-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo had a great time at O'Toole's last week celebrating with Beth Standford and friends. Happy Birthday Beth. As you can see Monkey had a great time. The "Chess Guys" were out in force and shared with everyone the sour cream and onion flavored crickets they won from "The Cart of Good Fortune".

The highlight of the evening was when Roger Carroll (photo right) sat in with The Happy Lucky Combo and played a tango, a ballad, and a blues. Although, this may have been surpassed by the chorus line at the end of the show. Truly a Southside Revue.

See y'all this Wednesday. Emily Avesian (photo right) is going to bring her baritone sax!

WARNING: Next week Richard Grossman will be having his NCAA pool party at O'Toole's beginning at 6:30 PM.

Don't forget Happy Lucky Mother's Day at Forrest Hill Park, May 10, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.

Spacious and Luxurious Party Room

2009-04-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

photo Bill Eldridge

The Happy Lucky Combo will be @ O'Toole's this Wed., April 15. Happy Tax Day!

We now play in the new "Party Room" where there is plenty of space to dance.

Beth Stanford will be celebrating her Birthday with us this week.

Richard Grossman is planning his annual NCAA basketball pool party on April 29.

The prize cart will be stocked with cool prizes. Last week we gave away two brand new Easter outfits, and squid.

There was a complaint about people not getting enough ants in their chocolate covered ants, so I bought a bunch of crickets; barbeque, sour cream and onion, etc.

O'Toole's is a great place to have a party. Especially on Wednesday, you get a free band! On Wednesdays we've had birthday parties, wedding parties and class reunions (grade school).

And don't forget, Wednesday is liver night @ O'Toole's.

Lucky Buddha

2009-04-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Do they call them albums anymore? In any case The Happy Lucky Combo is making a series of 4 song recordings. Jennifer Watson is creating collages for each. The first is Lucky Buddha (left), soon to come Carnival of Sound, Blue Orpheus, Big Town, Curious Cabaret and Zamba!

O'Tooles has expanded! This Wednesday The Happy Lucky Combo will be playing in the newly renovated annex. There's plenty of room to dance. Carter Blough will be performing with us and, if we're lucky, Emily Avesian.

There's a nice picture of The Happy Lucky Combo in Richmond Magazine this issue. Isaac Harrell took the photo last summer while we were playing on Broad St.

The Happy Lucky Combo just booked a Mother's Day gig. May 10 @ Forest Hill Park from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. So come and join us in a Happy Lucky Mother's Day. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket.

Fun with Carl

2009-03-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time performing with "Virginia Arts and Letters Live". Everyone was a joy to work with, from the stage crew, to the readers, to the organizers. Thank you to everyone who came out to see the show. It was especially gratifying to see all you Southsiders on the wrong side of the river.

For more pictures click to visit, VALL Flickr group, and The Happy Lucky Combo Facebook group.

We also got to make a lot of noise and generally disturb the peace in The Public Library with The Symphony's "Music Free for All". Thank you David O'Bryan for the photo on the right.

And AS ALWAYS The Happy Lucky Combo will be at O'Tooles this Wednesday evening.

Our friend Foust is reading as part of "Buildings and Death", Thursday, April 2, 7 PM @ Chop Suey Tuey.

Virginia Arts and Letters Live

2009-03-23T17:55:00.001-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will perform at The Empire Theatre this Saturday evening, March 28, @ 8 PM, for "Virginia Arts and Letters Live". (click for details)

Carl Kasel will be the guest host.

We've met and worked with the actors and they're great!

We will accompany, sparingly, the four stories, read by Carl and five actors. In between stories we will play our music.

The performance will be aired on WCVE in the fall.

We especially want fellow Southsiders out in force for this show!

Speaking of Southside we're back at O'Tooles this Wednesday evening and expecting visits from Jonathan Greenberg and Emily Evesian. (photos right) Emily is bringing her big baritone saxaphone.

Happy Birthday Nora!!!

2009-03-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo played for Nara Pozzi's birthday party at The Carver Healing Arts Gallery on Saturday night.

The room was filled with Nora's beautiful artwork and dancing friends.

Nora's show "Mandalas and the Art of Self Inquiry and Tapestries" will be on display through mid-April.

Day of Recovery

2009-03-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will not be performing at O'Tooles this Wednesday, March 18, as it's the day after St. Patricks Day... a day of recovery.

We return next week with guests and some new tunes!

Meanwhile we prepare for the big show at The Empire on March 28.

CLICK HERE for this weeks video. These musicians are outstanding in their field.

Has spring sprung???

2009-03-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Happy Lucky Combo continues to play @ O'Toole's on Wednesday evenings. Last week we had guest musicians Carter Blough, Jonathan Greenberg and Emily Avesian. How lucky was that!?...and happy!

This week we're expecting visits from Jonathan Greenberg and John Winn.

BUSKING ON BROAD ST.

photo Charles Sugg

As the weather warms The Happy Lucky Combo thinks again about busking on the street.

We are preparing for the big show @ The Empire with Irene Ziegler, Carl Kassel and a cast of stars. And to think it was only last summer we were busking in front of The Empire.

That event is called Virginia Arts and Letters Live and is on March 28 at 8:00 PM.

Reminder: we do not play at O'Toole's next week, March 18, to make room for St Patricks Day activities.

Neither Snow nor Rain...

2009-03-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

...nor gloom, shall keep the Happy Lucky Combo from playing @ O'Tooles this Wednesday evening, March 4. We will be joined by guest bass player Carter Blough.

Carter Blough above

We will also be joined by trumpeter Jonathan Greenberg (photo right) later in the evening.

And we may have a visit from reed player Emily Avesian (photo right).

The Happy Lucky Combo plays every Wednesday @ O'Toole's from 8:00 until 10:30 PM.

We will not be playing Wednesday, March 18, to make room for their annual St. Patrick's Day activities.

BIG FAT WEDNESDAY

2009-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Come celebrate BIG FAT WEDNESDAY, February 25, @ O'Tooles with The Happy Lucky Combo. Special guests this week include Jarene Fleming (photo left) and trumpeter Jonathan Greenberg (photo right).

Miles Barnett (photo lower right) did a great job performing with us at The Richmond Symphonys' Music Marathon. We were like a vaudville act squeezed in between classical solos, quartets and trios. We played a polka. Miles, you're fearless.

Meanwhile we ready ourselves for Virginia Arts and Letters Live.

Please check out the link of the week. I'm particularly fond of this one.

Thank you Margaret Woody for photos of Jarene and Miles.

Silence

2009-02-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

Pippin's father, H. Dewitt Barnett, died Monday night.

Dewitt spent a lifetime working for peace and justice through The American Friends Service Committee. His death was not unexpected and the immediate family were all present.

For Dewitts' obituary Click Here.

The Happy Lucky Combo will not perform at O'Tooles this Wednesday evening.

Special Guests, Special Prizes

2009-02-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

We have two special guests performing with us this Wed. @ O'Toole's. Miles Barnett will play his violin and Jarene Fleming will sing.Our Fortune Cart is flush with special prizes.

above @ Gallery 5.

Photo by Ron Mitchell

We've been working hard on The Virginia Arts and Letters Live show. Monday we started working with the actor/readers. They're great!

We play at Nordstroms on Valentines Day with Miles Barnett. One song @ 1 PM. There will be lot's of other musicians and goings on. It's a fund raiser for the Symphony and it's called "The Music Marathon".

Southside Scene Grows

2009-01-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you Heidi for the photo at left. The Happy Lucky Combo is available for private parties. Live music for the masses!

It was great to see so many people gather together @ O'Toole's last Wednesday for beer, food, music, chess and conversation. There was even dancing!

The Southside scene grows!

We'll be back this Wednesday for more of the same.

This week Miles Barnett will play a song with us on his violin.

Richard thanks for putting us on the Hills and Heights blog.

Gudrun, I'm working on getting together a group for accordion lessons. Keep after me.

Pippin was declared the "Art Blakey of Richmond" in Brick this week.

We play @ Gallery 5 this Friday Feb. 6, 8-9 PM It's free.

On Valentines Day we'll be part of The Richmond Symphonies' "Music Marathon" @ Nordstroms.

"Cooking with Beer"

2009-01-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo will be cooking with beer again at O'Toole's this Wednesday evening from 8:00 until 10:30 PM. Good gemutlichkeit last week and lots of folks. Thank you to everyone who came out.

Micol Hammack started a Facebook page for us and within a few days we already have almost 200 members! Click HERE to see it. You'll have to join facebook if your not a member already.

This weeks quotes and links come through Todd Woodson. He's always sharing things with fellow musicians, so I thought I'd pass them along.

Meanwhile we prepare for a busy February and March. See last entry, "Beer and Gemutlicheit", for details.

Listen to the Birds

2009-01-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

Good Gemutlichkeit and lot's of folks last week at O'Toole's. Thank you everyone for coming out. We will be back this Wenesday, from 8:00 until 10:30.

Micol Hammack created a Facebook page for The Happy Lucky Combo. Thank you Micol. In just a few days there are almost 200 members. Cick HERE to get to it. If you're not already a member of Facebook you'll have to join.

This weeks links and quotes come through Todd Woodson. He's always sharing interesting links with fellow musicians and I though I'd pass them on. Thanks Todd.

Meanwhile we prepare for our up coming performances. See previous entry "Beer and Gemutlichkeit" for details.

Beer and Gemutlichkeit!

2009-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Nick Lewis joined us at O'Toole's last week. Always a pleasure!

We'll be there again this Wednesday. It's great to have a place to share our music and try out new tunes.

Remember O'Toole's has good beer and great Gemutlichkeit!

Also if your looking for a band for an event... we audition every Wednesday!

Upcoming public gigs include;

Gallery 5, on February 6, w/ Jason Horst, Zac Hryciak and The Jungle Beats

The "Music Marathon" @ Nordstrom on February 14. This is a fun fund raising event for The Richmond Symphony. Miles, Pippins son, will perform on violin, with us.

We'll also be performing at another Symphony event on March 28. This is the "Music Free for All" @ the main branch of The Richmond Public Library.

And that evening we'll be performing @ The Empire with "Virginia Arts and Letters Live".

And thank you to everyone who has invited us to play at their parties and receptions...

Liver, Chess and The Happy Lucky Combo

2009-01-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

The big news is that The Happy Lucky Combo is back at O'Toole's on Wednesday evenings from 8 until 10:30 PM.

This Wednesday Nick Lewis will bring his clarinet and join us.

Remember Wednesday at O'Toole's is Liver Night, Chess Night and Happy Lucky Combo Night.

We have met with Irene Ziegler and are getting busy for our performance with Virginia Arts and Letters Live at The Empire Theatre on March 28. And to think, it was just a while back we were busking out on Broad Street.

Also we're working on lyrics. Consider yourself forewarned. Our friend Micol is working on some in Russienglish.

Meanwhile we're doing weddings, parties et al. We can play on short notice and our prices are reasonable. We're on a mission to provide live music to the masses!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo joined other Ululating Mummies for a New Years Eve Day performance at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Thank you to everyone who came and froliced with us.

The Happy Lucky Combo will be back at O'Tooles Restaurant and Pub every Wednesday in January from 8-10:30 PM. Please come by. O'Tooles is a friendly neighborhood "Third Place" with good food and beer and it's smoke free.

Long Winters Nap

2008-12-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Happy Lucky Combo is settling in for a long winters nap. We will awaken after the New Year.

Until then, come hear the Ululating Mummies at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on New Years Eve Day.

We plan to be back at O'Tooles in January and we will be preparing for the Virginia Arts and Letters Live at The Empire Theatre with Irene Ziegler and Carl Kasssell.

We'll also be finishing up some recordings and will have an EP available soon.

Also, please take time to check out The Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra web site. Arthur Stephens has been working hard on that.

Wine, books and $$$

2008-12-14T17:43:00.000-08:00

That's what the Happy Lucky Combo played for last week; wine, books and $$$. Thank you to everyone who came out to hear us.

Photo to the right is at Once Upon a Vine South. Thank you Tom Campagnoli.

Below we're @ The NY Deli for the Harry Kollatz History Happening. Thank you Isaac Harrell.

We also had a great time at the VizArts Free for All.

A special thanks to the gentleman who said we sounded like Paolo Conti.

You made my week.

And to the guy who said we sucked... did you mean that we sucked in a good way?

The following rumors have been substantiated.

The Happy Lucky Combo does not have any public gigs booked this coming week... yet. Remember, we do provide 24 hour emergency service.

We'd love to play our Christmas music at your party, and we're still available for rent New Years Eve.

Also The Ululating Mummies will be playing at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on New Years Eve Day.

Southside, Socialists, Sex, Wine and a Free for All

2008-12-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

It's a busy week ahead for the Happy Lucky Combo, and everyone else, I'm sure.

All four rumors below have been substantiated.

Wednesday, December 10th, we perform at O'Toole's Restaurant and Pub from 8:00 until 10:30 PM. Remember Wednesday is liver night at O'Toole's. (and Happy Lucky Combo night)

Thursday, December 11th, we will perform at the NY Deli, in a collaboration with Harry Kollatz. This is a celebration of the release of Harry's new book, "Richmond in Ragtime, Socialists; Sufferagints, Sex and Murder". This is our second annual book release event at the Deli with Harry.

A book a year! Go Harry Go!

Where are the Art Cheerleaders when you need them?

Saturday we perform at Once Upon a Vine South for their grand opening, and wine and beer tasting, from 5:oo till 5:30 PM.

Sunday, December 14th, we perform at The Visual Arts Center from 1:00 untill 4:00 PM.

This is being billed as; "Art Free for All, family-friendly art workshops + demonstrations throughout VisArts' studios, live music + refreshments."

This week we'll be performing with special guest, bass player Carter Blough.

Good Luck

Barry

First Week in December Addendum

2008-12-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

The rumor that we will not play at O'Tooles in December has been proven false!

We will play Wednesday, December 10 from 8:00 until 10:30 PM.

The following Wednesday the 17th there is an Irish sing-a-long. Sounds like fun! And O'Toole's is closed for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

We will then return to O'Tooles for Wednesdays in January.

Rumor control is so hard! I hope you've been amused.

First Week in December

2008-12-03T07:53:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Happy Lucky Combo blog.

This blog will serve as a weekly newsletter for the goings on of The Happy Lucky Combo, with sporadic musings by the accordion player, me.

RUMORED; The Happy Lucky Combo will not be performing at O'Toole's on Wednesdays in December, 2008.

EXPOSED; TRUE

John O'Toole has been gracious in supporting our weekly gig at his restaurant. Our goal was to help create a Southside Scene and it was a success. Thanks to everyone who came out, Southsiders and foreigners alike. Southside is going through a renaissance, in so many ways, and it has been good to feel like we're making a contribution.

We hope you will continue to patronize O'Toole's. It's a great neighborhood restaurant and pub. If you miss having us there please let John know.

We really do want to find a home, to hone our craft, build an audience and get ready for festival season.

Any ideas for a venue?

Until then we'll be returning to Pippin's basement. It's two blocks from O'Toole's, just knock on the cellar door. We'll be working on recording, arrangements, new material and... vocals... that's scary!

RUMORED; The Happy lucky Combo will perform with Harry Kollatz @ The New York Deli, Thursday, December 11 @ 7:05 PM.

EXPOSED; TRUE

RUMORED; The Happy Lucky Combo will perform at the Visual Arts Center, Sunday, December 14, from 1:00 till 4:00 PM.

EXPOSED; TRUE

RUMORED: The Happy Lucky Combo will join featured musician Pippin Barnett and actress Irene Ziegler @ The Empire Theatre, March 28, 2009.

UNDER INVESTIGATION

Good Luck

Barry