John Sebastian "Darling Be Home Soon" at City Winery
Good morning! Here is another video from last week's concert at City Winery. I enter the song a little late because I hadn't planned on recording until I heard what it was. It's one of my all time favorites of the Spoonful songs, and one that John did not sing at the Bitter End. But there's a back story. Halfway through the song, you'll notice a lot of laughter from the audience, an 'in joke' between John and the crowd. And that came about as a result of a crack John made after singing "Younger Girl" earlier in the set. As he finisehd the song, he commented, "I didn't think I'd still be singing that song when I was old long enough for it to be creepy.." Of course, we all laughed, because truth. Now that you know the context, you will understand the laughter in "Darling". And John plays it off perfectly. Enjoy!
A Little Magic On A Night That Could Use Some
John Sebastian, Do You Believe In Magic at City Winery, NYC on November 2, 2018. There was such a connection between John and the audience, they catch every nuance. It's so great to see that give and take with an audience that's right there with you. And this isn't a small room. Stay with it to the end, it will be worth it. Apologies for the less than stellar camera work, it was hard to shoot around heads in the way and from so far without moving the camera.
John Sebastian at City Winery NYC
John Sebastian opened his set at City Winery with Fred Neil's "The Other Side To This Life" because 'Joe Marra is here"... a nice tribute. Enjoy and please excuse the underlaying noise in the video, I don't know where it comes from. More video highlighting Sebastian's guitar playing coming soon!
"You Didn't Have To Be So Nice" John Sebastian & Steve Boone
The final clip from The Lovin Spoonful set at Joe's birthday party at The Bitter End. John Sebastian, Steve Boone, "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice." With many thanks to all - we are so grateful to all the friends and musicians who came to celebrate with Joe and all who shared your good wishes on the page. I plan to upload the full set to my YouTube channel which you can find under SpiritbearNY.
We were hoping the videographer Joe hired had good video of all the acts at the party at the Bitter End. But so far Joe has been unable to connect with him. My own camera battery died before the end of the night but I got a little video on my phone. Because I was standing by the bar it's noisy. I'd like to share this very short clip of Susan Martin Robbins with many thanks from Joe for coming all the way from Texas and apologies for the poor sound quality.
Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind
John Sebastian and Steve Boone at Joe's birthday party at the Bitter End. A little Monday morning treat! John's voice is a little raspy and I'm so glad he's still singing in spite of having throat problems since the 90's. The obvious joy John and Steve exude at playing together again is worth the price of admission.
NIGHT OWL ALUMNI PERFORMING AT JOE'S PARTY
Especially for our friends who couldn't be there, and for those who want to relive some of the night, here are some of the Night Owl alumni peforming at Joe's birthday celebration. I edited my videos to include clips of the most memerable moments. With apologies to Peter Sando and Susan Martin, who are not included because my camera battery died. Peter did a great rendition of 'Reason to Believe' and Alan Gordon's 'Me About You'. What beautiful songs! Susan Martin perfomred some down home delta blues and was just great. Hope you enjoy! Warning: Contains some colorful language.
In this video: (order of appearance) Peppy Castro - Blues Magoos, Jake Jacobs & John Townley - The Magicians, Peter Gallway - The Strangers, Michael Orrell - The Little Flowers. Closing, Peppy Castro.
The Lovin' Spoonful - Do You Believe In Magic
John Sebastian's intro about working at the Night Owl, before tearing into "Do You Believe In Magic", had the audience laughing. This video was filmed by Night Owl Cafe Tribute Page. Many thanks to John Sebastian and Steve Boone for making Joe's birthday the most memorable birthday ever.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC - JOE'S BIRTHDAY
Good morning, friends! I've created a slideshow of the musicians who played at Joe's birthday party at the Bitter End. It was a magical night so maybe there was serendipity in having John Sebastian and Steve Boone of the Lovin' Spoonful open the show of Night Owl alumni. I believe.
Joe's Birthday Photos
Some more shots from Joe's birthday celebration at the Bitter End. You may recognize a few folks. Last photo is Christian Gordon and his lovely wife. Christian is the son of Alan Gordon of the Magicians. . Stay tuned for photos and video of the musicians.
Some more shots from Joe's birthday celebration at the Bitter End. You may recognize a few folks. Last photo is Christian Gordon and his lovely wife. Christian is the son of Alan Gordon of the Magicians. .
JOE'S CELEBRATING HIS 85th BIRTHDAY AND YOU'RE INVITED!
Night Owl friends and family, on July 16, 2018, Joe Marra will be hosting his 85th birthday celebration at the Bitter End Cafe and you're invited! Friends are coming from as far away as CA so make your plans, find your dancing shoes and get ready to party! Musician friends feel free to bring your gear as the stage will be live. A sound engineer will be on hand and we hope there will be some hot jamming. Of course, there is no charge to this event, Joe is throwing this party for all of you, his family and friends, those who worked, played, or hung out at The Night Owl. He is excited and looking forward to seeing everyone! The party starts at 7pm and will go to 11pm. Joe says, "Be there or be square!" Pass the word and see you on July 16th!
WHAT: JOE'S 85TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
WHEN: MONDAY, JULY 16, 2018, 7pm - 11pm
WHERE, BITTER END CAFE, 147 BLEECKER STREET, NY, NY 10012 212-673-7030
FREE SNACKS, CASH BAR
Darlin' Be Home Soon: Spoonful at Iridium
This one is for all you Lovin' Spoonful fans who loved the first short video I posted from the Iridium, NYC show last week. 'Darlin' Be Home Soon', done great justice by the vocals of Jerry Yester. If you enjoy this one, and want to see more, I'll be uploading an extended video of the Spoonful doing a medley of tunes at this Iridium show soon.
The Lovin' Spoonful Return to NYC
So. John Sebastian had another engagement on the left coast this past weekend and was unable to attend the Lovin' Spoonful reunion show at the Iridium in NYC. He spoke to Joe Marra and assured him bygones are bygones as far as he and the Spoonful are concerned. The remaining Spoonful put on a GREAT show (Joe Butler asked me to shout that out loud) and sounded so good. The audience was made up of true fans and at times enthusiastically sang along with the band. It was fun to meet some of the Night Owl regulars and musicians who visit this page, including Peter Sando, Jake Jacobs, Karl Baker and of course, Joe Marra. Here's a sneak peek video of some of what you missed. More photos and video to follow soon.