Memorial Day Blog - AG in June!!!
Current mood: sneezy
Category: Head Cold Blogging

Hello everyone. It has been a long time since I blogged in. I apologize for my lack of writing but I have been so busy with life. Between work, recording, putting this reunion show together, and trying to fit a social life in with all of it, has got me spread out thin. I have also been fighting a freakin' head cold all weekend as well. This is the first day since Thursday that I have actually felt somewhat better. I have not had much computer time other than checking email. Anyway, I do have some time today, so let's get to blogging.

OK, first off, Happy Memorial Day today. Let us remember our friends, family, loved ones, and fallen heroes who are no longer with us. And of course this means the men and women of our armed services who have died for our freedoms. They are sadly missed, but never forgotten……..never.

The recording of the 4^th AG CD is unfortunately going a little slower than I had planned.

We are working out some kinks with the computer, but thanks to the one and only Kenny Barnett, we are starting to make some progress in the right direction. I do not foresee us playing much after August. We are gonna focus all of our energy on this CD after the Reunion show. Shows that are feasible and worthwhile are hard to come by right now. The price of gas is slowly killing everything. (It really has me worried) It looks like we will be writing and recording for the remainder of the year. That doesn't mean a show isn't possible but highly unlikely at this point in time. The songs are sounding really good. Rob and myself have been writing some more ideas. And 2 newer songs are really to be recorded. We are fighting the computer right now. But we will win. It has to be.

The reunion is gonna be so fun. I cannot tell how nervous I was about doing it at first but now I am sooooooooo excited. I have had a couple rehearsals and it has been really awesome to jam with some of the previous members. Some of the songs still need work. Others sound really hot. We will hopefully have it all tweaked in by August. Everyone that has been in this band since 1988 will perform. (except Severs) This should be an awesome night to get some of our older supporters back out to see us, and give our current supporters a chance to see the early lineups of the band's 20 year career. WOW! 20 years.

Where does the time go? If you would've told me I would be putting together an AG 20th anniv show, I would have fell over laughing. It has been a lot helluva lot of planning and cordinating. I hope it all works out. I know all the guys are excited. But know it is time to put the phone down, pick up your instrument, and walk the walk baby!!!!!!!!! We will be playing alot of different songs from our long journey. Covers and originals.

If there is someone you are really hoping to see, or a song you are hoping to hear, Check out our new poll we have posted on the Animal grace website. Check it out here Reunion Poll. You can vote one time per day and you can leave comments if you wish. Have fun. Remember, everyone has their favs. I realize that. But all the guys are coming together (as one big rock n roll entity) to have some fun and celebrate Animal Grace. 

More info about the Reunion after our July show. I'm about ready to pee my pants just thinking about it.

Ya gotta diaper on ya?  LOL!………………….Moving on.

I know I usually talk about movies and music, but I have been doing very little of it. I just recently got one of those digital cable boxes that replaces your antenna on your TV. Yes, I do not have cable. I personally feel it's too expensive and 80% of the stations are CRAP! If I could choose what I wanted, I might consider it. All I would really need would be Comedy Central, VH1 Classic, and ESPN. I was gonna say FSN also so I could watch Reds Baseball. But why? They are absolutely horrendous. The Ken Griffey Jr. and West Coast curses continue for that team. I am so disillusioned with sports anymore that I wanna puke.

It is all about money and who is in trouble now. It's really become a joke.

Now I know why they brought back American Gladiators. Have you seen this visual turd?

What are these networks thinking????  OK………enough!!!!!!!!!! That's enough already!!!!!!!!

I've been watching some TV series shows. "Criminal Minds" rules. "My Name is Earl" rules.

I started watching this other show on the CW called "Reaper". Has anyone seen that show?

Ray Wise plays the devil on it and I think he's hilarious. It's definitely different.

Comedy Central is where it's at for me. It's gives me an opportunity to laugh at stupid

stuff going on in the world today and there's a lot to laugh about. 

I haven't listened to much music. But I did buy a DVD of Jeff Healey live 1999 off of

Amazon.com and it is really good. I wish I could have gotten to Canada to meet him.

 I was so bummed to hear he died. He was awesome. Time to move on to something else.

Shall we? Cool.

Lastly, We hope to see everyone at the Savoy again in June should be a good show.

The current lineup is ready to play. The last couple of rehearsals have sounded hot

and I think everyone ready to plug in and blow off a little recording studio stream!!!

Hope everyone out there can make it come on out and see us.

We love to play music for our friends, fans, and families.

Come on out and COME GET SOME GUITAR!!!!  Have a great weekend everybody.

See you all at the Savoy on the 6^th and 7^th of June.

Take care and God bless.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater

Tony

Currently watching : Live and Dangerous Release date: 2008-02-05

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Happy New Year!!! AG Returns in March!!!
Current mood: rejuvenated
Category: rested Blogging

Hello to all.

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Merry Christmas to all my Blog Buddies!
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

Happy Holidays to everyone who reads my blog.

I am sitting here sipping on some tea and watching the snow fall. Looks like a white Christmas here in Ohio this year.

I guess I'm finally in the holiday spirit. At first I wasn't. I never am at first. It's really hard to believe the year is winding down. It seems like the 4th of July was yesterday!!!

The band is currently writing and recording and things are going pretty good so far. Slowly but surely. This time of year always slows things down a little. Rob laid down some bass tracks last week and they sound killer!!! We have 5 songs recorded and are bangin' around on 6 new ideas in the studio right now. It's fun, but frustrating at the same time. You have to be a patient person. The recordings sound awesome.

We are working on some new live show dates also. AG is going to take the winter off to work on the new CD. We won't be back out live till March. We are working on some 2008 dates at The Savoy and Chasers right now.

I am planning an "Animal Grace 20^th Anniversary show" sometime next year. Probably do it in the summer (August). It is going to be really special if I can get it together. I am going to bring in all of the former members who have been in the band over the last 20 years to perform. (except for unowho) My wish is to get all of the different lineups to perform. It'll be a long night for me. More info about this TBA.

My acoustic gig at the Savoy is on hiatus for a while as well. Weeknight gigs stink. I have fun, but I'm not going to sing to empty seats. The Savoy is always going to be a weekend club. I might attempt a "solo" acoustic show in the spring if the opportunity presents itself. Don't know if my voice can handle an entire night. We'll see.

We added some new songs to the myspace site for the holidays. Don't forget to check 'em out. Click here. AG Songs

For those of you who do not know, we also have a yahoo groups site. Please sign up and join it. It's free!!! There are some pics and music files on it too. We have been thinking about taking it down because it doesn't draw a lot of traffic anymore because myspace is all the rage. I want to keep it around just in case myspace ever goes away. This is where I will go to blog and give updates if that ever happens. So please check it out and sign up. Thanks. You can check out the yahoo site here. AG YahooGroup

Ok, it's time to talk movies and music. What have you guys (and gals) been watching? I recently saw the new "Bourne Ultimatum" movie. Not bad. Those spy movies are hard to follow sometimes. I always have to rewind a couple of times and put the closed caption on because I get lost. I've been renting old classic movies lately as well. Has anyone ever seen "Night Of The Iguana"? I rented it because it was filmed in Puerto Vallarta and I guess it kind of put that city on the map and made it what it is today. A major city for tourism.

I also watched "Lawrence of Arabia". Never seen it before. LONG ASS FILM!!! I also rented this oddball film called "Thumbsucker" and it was a little weird. Good show but strange. Keenau Reeves is in it. I have also been watching some old Christmas shows as well. These newer holiday shows that are on TV now blow ass. Have you ever seen "An American Christmas Carol" with Henry Winkler? Yeh, that's right, The Fonz. Very Nice. He plays a really good part. Also, check out "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story" It is the pilot to The Waltons. An excellent TV show. It has some really good character acting in it. And lastly, check out "The House without a Christmas Tree" with Jason Robards. That is a Christmas cult classic as well. All of these shows are rare, but you can get them on Amazon.com or maybe check your local library. TV today can't even come close to making a show that is half as good as one of these. They couldn't even fart a good Holiday show these days. All we have now is this dumbass reality crap or Beyonce` telling me she' s gonna give me an Upgrade, Upgrade. How stupid is that piece of shit commercial? What A Joke! OK---OK-----granted she's hot, but that ad makes her look like an idiot. Sorry.

Moving on……………………………………

As far as music goes, I've been checking out the new Cult CD. I went and saw them in concert recently and they were great!!! Never seen them before. The new CD is called "Born Into This". I have also bought several new music DVDs. I checked out "Jimi Hendrix live at Monterey" and "Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell-live". Dio and the guys are looking kind of old these days but damn, they can still crush!!!

ACDC has a new 3 DVD set that I am getting ready to check out. It's called "Plug Me In". It has a bunch of rare stuff on it. Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. I guess that is a great way to spend a snowed in weekend huh?

OK. Lastly, please send us some Holiday Greetings. We want to hear from you. Either on the comment section or reply here in the blog section. Or if you want, send us a greeting on the AG guestbook right here. AG Guestbook

Well, Listen, I have rambled way too much. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year. We will see you all in 2008!!!!

Drinks All Around!!!!! CHEERS!!! 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and GOD BLESS.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater,

Tony

Currently watching : AC/DC: Plug Me In (3 disc Limited Edition) Release date: 16 October, 2007

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We are back and It’s time to JAM!!!!
Current mood: tired
Category: Hung Over Music

Hey everybody. What's up?

Wow…….. it has been awhile since I blogged. I really have been busy doing a lot of different things. I was enjoying the long Indian summer that we had this year. I also took another trip to Mexico in October. Went to Puerto Vallarta this time. It was nice but I think I like Cabo San Lucas better. It still sucked to have to come back to cold Ohio weather. I hate that!!!! Oh well…………I had fun.  If you ever go to Puerto Vallarta, make sure you do the Los Veranos Canopy Tour. It totally RULES!!!! Check this link out here and watch the video. AWESOME!!!!

Canopy Tour

The band has been busy working on new material. We have revamped the setlist a little bit and the songs are sounding really good. We even pulled some older originals out of the AG vault. We are writing more new original material and hope to have the new CD completed after the winter. The ideas are flowing. The four of us are pretty excited about things right now. We have 5 songs recorded and are going to take the holidays and winter off to get the project completed. Probably won't be any live shows for awhile so make sure you all come out to the Savoy this weekend. We plan on having a rock n roll weekend!!!!!!

I will be announcing some really cool AG news around the holidays, so keep checking back. It's gonna be something really special that we will be doing next year. I will be blogging more now that I have a little extra time on my hands.

Anyways, I really hope everyone can come out and see us at the Savoy this weekend. I look forward to seeing all of you. If I don't see you, have a Happy Thanksgiving and I'll see you the next time around. Take Care.

COME GET SOME GUITAR!!!!

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater,

Tony

Currently watching : Jimi Hendrix: Live at Monterey Release date: 16 October, 2007

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Throwin In The Blog!!!!!!
Current mood: awake
Category: 1 week sober Blogging

Hello To All.

Well, it has been awhile since I chimed in. Looks like it's been since May. Well, let's just say it's been a busy summer for me. Between playing music, working, and spending time at the pool, I have had very little time with the computer.

I want to thank everyone who came out and saw the band the last few shows. We definitely had a blast playing for all of you. The park show was killer fun for all of us. I know the arts festival was talking about not having any more local bands after this year.  I find that really unfortunate because I feel that local music matters and deserves to be down at the park every year. I hope you all will send a kind message to the Springfield Arts Council and tell them that you enjoyed seeing local bands down there and ask that they continue to have them. (especially AG – wink wink) There is power in numbers my friends!!!! I hope to play there again but I guess we will have to wait and see.

Animal Grace is taking a much needed break and we recording 5 of our new songs. The drum tracks are almost complete and I am hoping to lay down some guitar tracks next week. It seems we always run into some kind of snag that leads to a whole lot of down time. You have to be a patient person to record music. It can be very stressful at times. Anyways, so far the drums sound awesome. I think this is the best drum sound that we have recorded compared to the last CDs. We are excited!!! We have also decided to take a break due to bars just suck in the summer. Between the nice weather and the Ohio Smoke Ban, it has really hurt the bars. Everyone is in a panic right now but I think once cold weather comes back around, people will go out to the bars and go see live entertainment. I mean, if you go to a bar that has an outside beer garden or patio, everyone is out there smoking. Personally, I love the smoke ban. I come home from a nite out, I can still smell the downey in my clothes. LOL!! It has also helped the singing voice tremendously. A smokey bar is hard on the old throat. Sorry smokers, I still dig ya. Shit, I smoked for 20 years. Now that I've quit, I save my money and take a trip to Mexico or to Europe once every other year. Might as well go see the world, instead of slowly killing myself. Anyways, I'll  get off my soap box now. Lets move on. OK?……………Cool.

Time to talk about movies and music. What have you guys (and gals) been listening to? I have been listening to a lot of different stuff. The new Ozzy is good and I have not liked anything he has done since Bark At The Moon. Don't laugh but I have also been checking out The new Winger CD (Winger IV) and I must say, it is tight. It is totally different from the 80's stuff they did. It has somewhat of an anti-war theme but the songs are strong. Check it out. The brand new Tesla CD is off the hook. They are covering a bunch of old 70's rock tunes. I am always skeptical of bands doing cover CDs but this one delivers. They are just the shit. Their version of "Rock Bottom" by UFO totally kicks major booty. The CD that has probably surprised me the most is Bob Seger's new one. I saw him on TV on VH1 about 3 years ago when he was inducted in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and he sucked. He couldn't sing his way out of a paper bag. I felt bad for him. It was awful. Anyway, he must have taken some vocal lessons and got back in shape because his new CD rocks. It is very good. I enjoyed it. Very listenable.  My only gripe is it gets a little  twangy towards the end with a couple of country songs. Lastly, for some reason, I have been listening to Metallica's "And Justice For All". I guess my guitar students are corrupting me!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!! If you like metal, this is the CD for you.

As far as DVDs go, I watched "Zodiac" which I thought was really good. Good acting. It was long but worth renting. The story about the Zodiac is creepy.  I also rented "Premonition" with Sondra Bullock. I was disappointed in it because the previews looked good. I thought it was average. Save your money and rent Zodiac or "The Pursuit of Happyness" with Will Smith. That was a really good show. True story about overcoming life's obstacles. I liked it a lot. I was gonna rent "The Messengers". Has anyone seen that one yet? It is about ghosts and for some reason, ghosts freak me out. That shit scares me more than slasher movies.  Have you noticed how many scary movies are out now?  A friend of mine made the comment that scary movies tend to do well when things with the country are not well. (ie. the economy, ect) I thought that was interesting. However, right now I am watching the second season of the HBO series "Deadwood" Is anyone hip to this show? It is pretty good but the cursing gets a little old after awhile. The dialogue is hard to understand at times because the characters talk in old style english that was common in the 1800s. I am almost finished with episode 10.

Well, listen, I hope everyone as healthy and happy. I wish you all well. Hope to see you all soon at one of our shows. Just a reminder, there are a lot of  new pics from some of our last shows on the main website. Check them out here. AG Pics.

The webmaster is supposed to put some more pics from the park up sometime soon. They may put some new ones up here on myspace as well. Keep checkin' in.

Enjoy the rest of the summer. I know I will.

OK.................I'm headed back to the pool!!!! Cheers!!!

Take care.

Tony

Currently listening : ...And Justice For All By Metallica Release date: 25 October, 1990

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Hello Again- It's Almost Summer Time!!!!
Category: Blogging

Hello Everybody. What's up????

Currently listening : When the Sun Goes Down By Kenny Chesney Release date: 03 February, 2004

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Where Did Spring Go? - AG returns this month!
Category: Blogging

Hello To all. What's Up?

I hope everyone is doing fine. Me and the boys are chomping at the bit again to play. We hope everyone can come out and show their "AG support" at the Upper Deck next week. It is our first time there and we are hoping for a great turnout. We would like to get  regular gig in the Dayton area again. I am bummed that we cannot play to our Dayton fanbase on a regular basis. Most of the Dayton clubs  we have played in the past have fallen by the wayside (due to different reasons). It seems like, if you are not from the area, clubs are not willing to take a chance on an out-of-town band. It's really unfortunate, but I also realize that safe bets make money. Anyways, we are excited about playing in front of some fresh faces. I guess it means we will have to prove ourselves. I like the challenge. Me and the guys are up for it!!!!

Also, my friend Damon and myself will be playing an all acoustic show at The Savoy in Springfield on Thurday April 19th. It will be just the two of us and 2 acoustic guitars. We will be playing anything from "Alice In Chains" to "Merle Haggard". It is really fun. We just have a good old time and drink some beer and sing some tunes. It is nothing serious. Who knows, you may even hear an AG tune unplugged as well. Damon and I have been playing on and off together since 1998. We started playing as a trio at the Ringside Cafe back in '98. We were the house group every Tues night for almost 3 years. Man, I want my liver back....LOL!!! If anyone out there is able to come out on a week night and check it out, it sure would be great to see all of you. I realize weeknites are tough for everyone. It is tough for the acoustic musician as well. Let's face it, weeknite (especially acoustic) musicians are quite often treated like second class citizens. But we are looking forward to it and we plan on having some fun. Please come out and show your support because if it is successful, the Savoy plans on continuing having acoustic entertainment on Thursday nights. Which hopefully means a once a month gig for me and Damon!!! Who knows, we may even throw Rob's ass up there to sing one. He said he might show up.

What the hell is up with the weather. How does it go from 80 degrees to 20 degrees in 24 hours? How is that possible? Mother Nature going through menopause? Unbelievable!!! I had a T-shirt and flip-flops on last Sunday and 3 days later, I have the winter coat back out and my scarf and gloves. This is some BULLS--T!!! I guess the Easter Bunny is going to have to wear a parka this weekend. I am so ready for it to be warm everyday.  I want to be by a pool, with a waborita, and a Los Lonely Boys CD playing. Hopefully soon huh?

Lastly, like I always do. Let's talk movies/DVDs. What is out that is good? I recently saw the new Rocky. I was disappointed . Of course, I knew I would be. Stallone had the right idea but let's face it, it should have stopped after number 2. I also made the mistake of renting the remake of the Bad News Bears with Billy Bob Thorton. Save your money. The original RULES. Get it instead. I also saw Lemony Snickets with Jim Carey. How much pot did those peple smoke? WOW! However,  I did watch one I kinda liked with Matthew Perry and Bruce Willis called "The Whole Nine Yards". A comedy drama. Not bad. Dry humor which is pretty much up my alley.  Amanda Peete is soooooooooooo HOT!!!! I have also been checking out a new show on TV called "Raines" with Jeff Goldblum. So far, I like it. NBC put it on Friday nights which I think will hurt it's ratings. Get your VCR or your TIVO and check it out.

Well, listen, I have rambled enough for now. I hope to see everyone real soon. Have a good week, a great weekend, and a wonderful Easter.

Drinks for all my friends. LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater,

Tony

Currently listening : Pay the Devil By Van Morrison Release date: 07 March, 2006

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Winter F---ing sucks!!!!
Category: Blogging

OK..............................It is official............................ I am tired of winter.......... I am throwing in the towel.............Hey.............I know that song!!!!!!!!

Anyways, Happy Belated New Year to anyone and everyone who checks and/or  reads this blog.......I apologize that it has been so long since my last log in , but let's just say that the the last 3 months have been busy and that is not the half of it. My Uncle passed away the last weekend of December and my Father was sick the last week in January and between that and the shitty weather, I just haven't had much time to think about the computer. Fortunately, Dad is well now. He and my Mom are in Florida soaking up some rays and living the retired life at it's fullest. Wish I was there. I love my father. He my hero, and my best friend. I am so thankful that he is OK.

Moving on....................

The Savoy show was a great gig. We had a fantastic weekend. Thanks to eveyone who made it out. It was Super Bowl weekend and personally , I thought the football game kinda wanked. Chicago's QB was absolutely pathetic. My cat could pass better than him. Pitiful. Prince doing "Purple Rain" (in the rain) was awesome. He stole the show, sorry, just my opinion.

I recently rented "The Departed" with Jack Nicholson. Everyone has ranted and raved about this flick, but I really thought it was kinda overrated.  There is some great acting in this flick and it has an allstar cast. But I found it hard to follow and there are too many twists. If you want to se a great movie, check out "Flag of our Fathers". Clint Eastwood directed it and it is the shit.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Friday - Feb 23)

This is part 2 of my blog I did last week. I was so out of it last week. Too much partying. OUCH! Anyways, I was looking at my blog and I noticed that I did not mention anything about the band. DUH! Well, right now we are working on some new originals with Rob on lead vocals and they are sounding killer. We have been working on these tunes off and on for almost a year now and I think they have finally found their way. Sometimes original music has to evolve and/or be shelved and used at a later date. This is what happened to these 2 songs. Some time away from them made us all kinda rethink and re-evalutate the arrangemnts and vocals...ect. Anyway, let's just say it did us and the tunes some real good!!! Can't wait to play them live and let everyone hear them.

We are still kinda poking around for some more live shows. Nothing new yet. But there is a possibility of returning to the Summer Arts Festival this July. Me and the boys have talked a little about maybe giving Canada another shot. I Dunno. We will just have to see.

Well, once again it's laundry day (it's a never ending battle) and it's time for some pizza........YUM!!! I guess I will sign off now and go watch Jericho. Which BTW is a really cool show. If you haven't seen it, you must check it out. CBS got rid of a show called "The Guardian" which I absolutely loved. Now I watch "Jericho" and "Criminal Minds" and of course "The Daily Show with John Stewart". He is so awesome. Ok...enough blabbing for now. Take care. CYA!

Thanks for checking in everybody. I hope to see you all soon. God Bless. Drinks all around.......................................

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater,

TP

Currently watching : The Police - Synchronicity Concert Release date: 08 November, 2005

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Merry Christmas to all you Gracers!!!!
Current mood: blah

Hello To All.

First off, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. I still can't believe 2006 is almost over. It just seems like it's over before it started. Wow! Time flies. Anyway, if you haven't done it yet, I want everyone to go to the Animal Grace main website and check out the news page. We have posted some new things on there to check out. There are new pics, mp3 downloads, and the bandmember poll. Hopefully that will keep everyone kinda busy while the band is taking a break.

Me and the boys have been working on some fresh covers for the set and we are re-working on some originals that  Rob has written. Hope to have damn near a whole set of fresh tunes by the Savoy show. Things are sounding pretty good and I can't wait to play them out.

I have all of my Christmas shopping done. I made it easy on myself this year. God, giftcards RULE! Let them get what they want. You gotta keep an eye on some of those giftcards because some of them charge a monthly fee to upkeep. Which is a crock of sh--t!!! One of my guitar students bought me a giftcard to the Fairfield Mall last year and I didn't use it till later in the year. It was a $25.00 card and when I went to use it, there was only $2.50 on it!!! Isn't that some Bullsh--t?????? I am really looking forward to the Holidays this year for some reason. Usually I'm just kinda Ho Hum about it, but this year is different. I don't know why. Last year the band played quite a bit in December and I just hated it. It was tedious. When we were alot younger we always played around the Holiday to have a little extra money, but I was poor back in them days. I had no choice. The music scene unfortunately is alot different now. People aren't going out like they use to. People tend to hold on to their money around Christmas anyways.

Animal Grace was thinking about playing the Savoy on New Years Eve with  another local band "Nine Volt". They played with us down at the park this summer. We were gonna do a double headline show but it fell through. I kinda wanted to do it but I wasn't too upset when it fell through.

I have been watching alot of DVDs lately. What is out that's worth raving about? Anybody out there seen anything cool? I am currently watching The Live Aid DVD. It is pretty long. 4 discs and over 10 hours. I have been watching it in parts. Queen's performance on it is un-frickin-believeable!!! Freddy Mercury was a great frontman. Definitely a career highlight for him and the band. I also recently purchased a DVD called "Scrooge" with Albert Finney. It is a musical version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It was made in 1970. I saw it as a kid in the first grade and I truly think it is the best version out of all the Christmas Carols. Definitely worth checking out. I also rented Season Six of The Sopranos. So I am all caught up now and ready for the final 8 episodes that come out in the Spring. What do you think will happen? I'm not sure, but I think Christopher might be in hot water pretty soon.

Well listen, I gotta go. It's getting late and I am ready for bed. Thanks to all of our friends and fans for all the wonderful support you have given Animal Grace. We look forward to seeing you all in '07. We love you!!! I personally want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Happy Holidays and God Bless.

Drinks For All My Friends!!!

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater

Tony

Currently listening : Rocks By Aerosmith Release date: 07 September, 1993

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My Bass Student Dennis Dexter
Category: Life

Hello to all who reads my blog. 

On a somber note this holiday weekend..........I just wanted to let everyone know that I had a bass student named Dennis Dexter who died from cancer on Monday, Nov. 20th. Dennis was diagnosed in the Spring. He had bone cancer that is common in the early teen years. Dennis was a high school student at Southeastern in South Charleston, Ohio. He was very involved at school, marching band, and he was an avid fan of rock-n-roll and metal music. Metallica was his fav. Dennis was 15yrs old.

I have been teaching for over 20 years and this is the first time I have had to deal with a student's death. It's not fair and I am saddened. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. I personally would like to ask all AG supporters to reply to this blog or sign our AG guestbook on the main website, and wish the Dexter family sympathies and condolences. It would mean the world to me.

I know that Cliff Burton is upstairs with Dennis right now showing him the rest of "Pulling Teeth" and Dennis is smiling and saying........"That's Cool....!"

God Bless You Dennis Dexter.

Tony

Currently listening : Ride the Lightning By Metallica Release date: 25 October, 1990

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AG's last show for 2006 - Nov 17-18
Current mood: cheerful

Hello to all.

What is up? Did everyone have a good Halloween??? Boy, I sure did. You know what I did???................Nothing!!!!!! Stayed home and chilled out and watched horror movies. The original "Halloween" movie still freaks me out. I stayed home because there are too many amateurs and cops out on Halloween for me anymore. Too much of a hassle.  Moving on........................

Anyways, I just wanted to let everyone know that Animal Grace will do one more show before the Holidays at Chasers in Park Layne. This show will  be it for us until 2007, so I personally want to invite everyone out and party with us one more time AG style 2006 baby!!! OH YEH!!!!! I am looking forward to jamming. The band is kicking on all 4 cylinders right now and is dying to get out one more time. It is the Buckeye-Michigan weekend so it should be a wild ass weekend. Absolutely sick!!! Click here for more info. Chasers Show. We will back in action probably late January 2007 with new merchandise for sale. New shirts and thongs!!!! Everyone decided to take the Holidays off and spend time with family and just chill. Last year we played around the Holidays and it just sucked ass. Bad weather and the financial crunch of Christmas just killed our turn-outs and it was alot of work for little pay. That's par for the course in a rock band but around the Holidays it really hurts. So we have decided to stay away from December altogether this year. I'm glad. We are also looking at some possible Dayton area shows in the future in 2007. The Savoy Lounge is a definite sometime the first of the year as well.  Hopefully we will have a light winter, but I doubt it. Mother Nature has never liked us. Speaking of the The Savoy. The owners have done some remodeling there and it looks pretty good. They have made it one big room with 2 bars. Should be a great time there when we come back. I might go check it out this weekend.

What else? Oh Yeh..... I know......Has anyone seen any decent movies worth bragging about? My Dad and I recently went to see "Flags Of Our Fathers" It's about WWII. Americans fighting the Japanese at Iwo Jima. It is in the same vain as Saving Private Ryan. Clint (The Man) Eastwood directed it. It was pretty awesome! I learned alot about that battle. It makes me proud to be an American but most of all it mde me realize not to take our freedom for granted. Alot of Americans have died over the years so we can enjoy our freedom. It really hit home. I wanted to thank every Veteran after I saw it. It also shows the aftermath of that battle and how it affected the soldiers. I highly reccommend everyone to go see this flick. Some of the battle scenes are quite graphic. Re-inacted quite well and very realistic. I also rented a couple movies recently. Four Brothers and The Matador. Four Brothers is average but the music soundtrack is unbelievable!!! If you like old school Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, and The Temptations. It is very nice. I had to go buy the CD and it was well worth it. Not a bad song on it. Pierce Brosnan is in The Matador and he plays a really good part.  Definitely a different role for him. He is somewhat of an anti-hero. Dark humor and very funny in places. Worth checking out.

Well listen, I gotta run. It's laundry day (AGAIN!) I really hope to see everyone November 17-18. Just a reminder don't forget to get out and vote this coming Tuesday. Vote and make a difference. Have a great weekend and see you real soon.

Drinks for all my friends........................CHEERS!!!!

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater.

Tony

Currently listening : The Greater of Two Evils By Anthrax Release date: 23 November, 2004

5:59 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Almost showtime!! Are You Ready?
Current mood: lazy

ARE READY TO ROCK?....ARE YOU READY RIP UP?........... DO YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT?.......ARE YOU READY TO HIT THE FLOOR?..........ARE YOU READY?....... - Thin Lizzy

Alright peoples.  Our Savoy show is one week away and the band is chomping at the bit to play. We have not seen a stage in almost 3 months and it's driving me crazy. I am so ready to wind my amplifier up and cut some fuckin heads baby!! Oh yeah! This will be the first time out since our Canada fiasco and it will be good for us to get out and play. The band has been busy writing the last few months and I think some great songs have been written and now we get to play some of them out live. Songs tend to grow and develop after they are played live. For example, "Livin' Alone" is such a totally different tune live. I can't explain it other than it's just the live energy that comes out with certain songs. Anyways, we will be playing about 4-5 new AG originals , some leftover Lizzy tunes that we didn't get to play in Toronto, and a couple new classic rock covers.  We are also working on a new AG T-shirt but they won't be avail at The Savoy. Definitely by years end.

I hope everyone will come out and see us because it may be our last live appearance until the new year. However, there is some talk of a possible New Years Eve show but that is still tentative. This year I think the band we chill out around the Holiday Season, write more originals, and spend time with friends and families. We really took a beating last year with the holidays, weather, ect. It really hurt our live shows last December.

I want to see everyone come out and support Animal Grace, the Savoy, and live local music, so get on up off your deadasses and come out and rock and COME GET SOME F------------G GUITAR!

See everyone next week.. Until then....drinks for all my friends!!!!!

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater,

Tony

Currently listening : Rockford By Cheap Trick Release date: 06 June, 2006

2:48 PM - 3 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

The End of Summer always bums me out!
Current mood: mellow
Category: Tired Blogging

Hello to all!!!

It's definitely been a while since I've blogged. I've been at the pool enjoying the last days of summer. I am so bummed that we are on the tail end of Summer. It is my favorite time of the year. However, I am excited that college football is about ready to start. I love to follow it. Should be another exciting year. Notre Dame and Ohio State are both expected to do well again this year. Who knows, we might just see them in a bowl together again. Irish win this year??? Anyways, moving on......

The band has been busy writing new original material. Right now we have 6 new songs that we are bangin around on. I am singing 3 tunes and Rob is singing the other 3.They are sounding pretty good. I am hopeful that we will play most of them by the Savoy show. We are still working on lyrics but the music is slammin'!!! Other than that not much to report other than that the new AG t-shirts probably will not be available by the Savoy. We are still working on new ideas for the next shirt. Any thoughts or ideas anyone would like to share with the class? We are open to suggestions. After all, you the fans, are the ones who wear them.We are definitely gonna get new thongs since they sold well.

Lastly, just for fun, we have posted a new poll on the Animal Grace site. Vote for who is your favorite AG member and why? Click here to check it out.  www.animalgrace.com/poll.html

Well, I guess that's it for now. I will blog in again before the Savoy show in October. I hope to see eveyone out in full force on October 6-7 at the Savoy in Springfield. See you soon.

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLater.

Tony

1:49 PM - 2 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Toronto trip cut short!!!
Current mood: disappointed
Category: Pissed off! Life