The Ledge - Mick Fleetwood gathers friends for special shows

BY TRISHA SMITH
POSTED: September 9, 2009 Save | Print | Email Email: "Mick Fleetwood gathers friends for special shows"

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Mick Fleetwood is back home and ready to rock the Valley Isle during his break between worldwide tour dates with the illustrious “supergroup,” Fleetwood Mac.

“Lindsey [Buckingham] and John [McVie] say I must be crazy to play during the break, but it’s so much fun and I get to pay tribute to fellow musicians,” said Mick. “I’m very lucky to still be a working musician and still play drums like a maniac.”

Strap on your dancing shoes for two exceptional nights of entertainment on Friday, Sept. 11, at Stella Blues Café and again on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Royal Lahaina Resort.

Thanks to the managing skills of William Reeve Pié, and the cooperation of local musicians and venues, these gigs were efficiently thrown together quite quickly.

Billed as The Mick Fleetwood Band, the drummer extraordinaire has invited his blues band buddies to perform, which includes his musical partner-in-crime, slide/lead guitarist Rick Vito, the big personality and bass lines of Lenny Castellanos, and entertaining keyboardist Mark Johnstone.

The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band’s latest live performance release, Blue Again (Savoy), reveals a bouquet of timeless songs, and few new tunes, that celebrate the British blues-era and sound of the all-male, original Fleetwood Mac from 40 years ago.

“We’ll be doing a blend of my blues band and add some extremely talented guests,” said Mick.

Look forward to powerful performances from Eric Gilliom and Gretchen Rhodes of Island Rumours, the constantly evolving band Mick put together of Maui talent in 2006.

A few surprise acts are probable, with Barry Flanagan of HAPA already lined up for the West Side event.

“We just have a lot of fun,” said Mick, pleasantly. “Should be a couple of great shows.”

These showcases will feature band originals, some favorite Fleetwood Mac classics, and a retrospect from the early blues days of the band, along with amazing performances from an impressive lineup.

The Stella Blues’ show will mark the first big show at the venue since the passing of its cofounder Ray Ennis, who was not only an old friend of Mick’s from the Grateful Dead days, but also an avid supporter of music here on Maui and beyond. It was a dream of his to have acts like these there.

“It was quite shocking and sad when I found out about Ray — life is strange,” said Mick. “I was away at the time, so this is my tribute to him to put on a great show at his place and donate to something he felt strongly about.”

Tickets for Friday, Sept. 11, are $30; $25 in advance. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Hospice Maui, Ennis’ favorite nonprofit. Call 874-3779 for more information.

Enjoy sunset on the beach and a groovy night under the stars at the Royal Lahaina show on Sunday, Sept. 13, for $40; $35 in advance. Dinner and special VIP packages are available. Call the Royal Lahaina Resort at 661-3611 for reservations.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit A Makebelieve Company’s new “Save the Arts” program, which strives to inspire and educate our youth through music and the arts.

“I feel very strongly about focusing music and arts in the schools,” said Mick. “Music saved my personal integrity as a child, and I’m living testimony how being creatively clever can take you a long way.”

Check out www.mickfleetwood.com anytime to get your Fleetwood fix.

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