Greg’s Happenings by Greg Kristapovich
This column is in honor of Jimi Hendrix. Jimi was born on November 27th, 1942. He would have been 67. So here’s some J.H. trivia for ya: 1.) With whom did Hendrix share the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival album? 2.) What Dylan song did Jimi perform on his Electric Ladyland album? 3.) Before forming the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Jimi did gigs in Greenwich Village with his band, Famous Flames. What did Jimi call himself then? 4.) How many albums did Jimi release? The answers are provided here and there, throughout my column.
Well, I missed this year’s Sonora Christmas Parade. I felt pretty bummed out. Then I remembered: Earlier this year, I’d purchased a DVD of 2008’s Sonora Christmas Parade! So I sat down in my recliner and watched it – and I still felt the vibes! Doug Higgins at GoGoldCountry.Com is currently editing his film of Christmas Parade 2009! If you’d like to buy a DVD copy, give Doug a call at (877) 845-5690. Hey, if you send a video of our Sonora parade to your relatives, I’ll bet they’d make an extra effort to come here to visit, next Thanksgiving! Dig it!!
Was taking a break at Columbia Frosty recently, and catching up on my reading over lunch. This might sound gauche, but I while eating, I was also perusing Uncle John’s Unstoppable Bathroom Reader (by the Bathroom Readers’ Institute). Here are some wild facts: The automobile was invented in 1886; the used car lot (17 cars) was invented in 1887! Progressive Insurance did a poll, and found that 63% of Americans talk to their cars! Hawaii has 3 Interstate Highways. (Huh???) These are documented facts! So, I’m scarffing up my delicious teriyaki chicken at the Frosty; I thought I’d try the place since one of my favorite eateries, The Miner’s Shack, has closed. It might re-open but in the meantime, if you like good food (at reasonable prices), try Columbia Frosty! They’re awesome!! They’ve got shakes in 31 flavors and all kinds of drinks including apple cider, hot chocolate, mochas and lattes! And have they got burgers!! They’ve got a plethora of palatable patties, including the “Mushroom Swiss Burger”, The “Greek Burger”, the “Peanut Butter Burger” and the “Rock and Roll Bacon Burger” – with more to be added soon! They’ve also got excellent chicken sandwiches, with a choice of Malibu, Pesto, BBQ or Teriyaki chicken! I had the Teriyaki chicken sandwich, and it was absolutely mouth-watering! The Frosty plays vintage rock and roll over their speakers, so you really feel like you’re at an old-fashioned 50’s-style diner! Check this place out!! (It’s on Parrotts Ferry Road, right next to the Columbia post office. Be sure to brin cash, as they don’t accept plastic or checks.)…(Answer to trivia question #1: Otis Redding.)
I see some interesting signs while I’m on the road. Inside Gallagher’s Pub in Pioneer (Hwy 88, east of Jackson.) a sign said, “Save the Earth. It’s the only planet with beer!” It’s true! By the way, the Bathroom Reader notes that the ancient Sumerians had a goddess of beer! Can you dig it!
Need your windows decorated for the holidays? Check out Steven Duke, featured on our back page! If you want a dedicated, reasonably-priced holiday window painter, you can reach him at (209)694-5880!
Correction: In my big story about West Fest (SMT, Oct. 30), I quoted a hippy named “Redeyes”. He told us about a photo he took – that was used on Bunny Wailer’s Hall of Fame record album (50th Tribute to Bob Marley); however, my story incorrectly referred to the musician as Bonnie Wailer. Mea Culpa. But hey, man, give me a break. I’m 54. I’m almost a senior! I had a senior moment when I was writing that story. By the way, I found a cool book at Red Church Thrift Shop (on Tuolumne Road, East Sonora) titled “You Know You’re Over the Hill When……” (Reader’s Digest Books) You know you’re over the hill when…… You try to get electrical gadgets repaired when they go wrong……You realize that a stamp today costs more than a picture show did when you were growing up……There’s no question in your mind that there’s no question in your mind…
You know, when I see aging rockers on stage – or release a new album, (eg., KISS, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, et. al.,) I get a real rush!! Speaking of aging rockers, Gov’t Mule has a new album, “By a Thread”, and it has debuted on the Billboard charts at #34!! Train’s new CD, “Save Me, San Francisco” hit the charts at #17; Sting’s “If On a Winter’s Night” debuted at #6; Rod Stewart’s “Soulbook”, at #4; and Michael Jackson’s “This is It (Soundtrack) went straight to #1 its first week on the chart!! Let’s hear it for all the old (and deceased) rockers!!!
Groovy Happenings: Here are a couple groovy and highly recommended shows: “An Irish Christmas” at The Gallo Center for the Arts (downtown Modesto). It runs Friday through Sunday, December 4th-6th. For tickets, call (209)338-3115, or log on to www.galloarts.org! Another Christmas production worth attending will be “Christmas with Sonora’s Black Irish Band (and many special Celtic guests!), Saturday, December 19th at the Sonora Opera Hall! Get your advance tickets at Mountain Bookshop, or Sonora Music. Check the SMT calendar for even more cool events! You can also call my hippy dippy hotline (209)559-8368 if you have any groovy happenings coming up!… (Answer to trivia question #2: “All Along the Watchtower).
Hey check out the photo! “Dave” called my hippy dippy hotline and asked me what “one night stand” looks like. Well, here she is: Cindy Mann, aka “One Night Stand”! She’d won the Halloween costume contest at the St. Charles Saloon in Columbia; but, you know, it doesn’t have to be Halloween: you can have a “costume party” anywhere, anytime!! O.K., here are the answers to the final two Hendrix trivia questions: answer to question #3: Jimmy James; answer to question #4: six, including “Smash Hits”! Before I go, let’s say “Happy Birthday” to some more old rockers! Gregg Allman: on December 8th, he turns 62. David Gates, lead singer for the 70s group, Bread turns 69 on December 11th and Ted Nugent, Mr. “Cat Scratch Fever” turns 61 on December 13th. Oh, and a belated birthday wish to Ozzy Osbourne! He turned 61 on December 3rd! Say, when is Ozzy gonna put out a Christmas album?? That would be pretty cool, wouldn’t you say! See ya next week! Till then, peace, love and shopping excitement!
