"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
RANGER REPORT - January 9 (Wyatt's birthday) 2018 The Official Newsletter Of The Mighty Manatees "Celebrating Over 30 Years Of Competing With Younger, Better Looking Bands"
JOZO AT JUSTIN'S! - Joe "Jozo" Rizzo will be joining Randy Wagner & myself at Justin's in Skippack, PA, this Friday, Jan. 12. We will be drum-less at Justin's for the next 4 months until their outdoor club opens in May. This will be an evening of acoustic guitars, harmonicas, one accordion and 3-part vocal harmonies. Showtime is 8 to 12. www.justinscarriagehouse.net
RITCHIE DECARLO AT HOTEL FIESOLE! - Legendary Manatees drummer Ritchie DeCarlo will be guest drumming for The Mighty Manatees at Hotel Fiesole in Skippack, PA on Friday, January 19. Over the years Ritchie has played with us from Philly to New York City and from Chicago to Key West. Recently Ritchie has been recording with the likes of Tony Levin and Percy Jones. We are very excited to welcome him back. Showtime is 8 to 12.
Manatees Fun Fact: Did you know that Ritchie DeCarlo produced the Mighty Manatees song, "Christmas Day"? It's true! It was on his Christmas compilation CD, "No L".
STEPHANIE'S 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY! - My sister-in-law Stephanie Cox will be turning The Big Five O at the end of this month so we are holding a birthday party for her at Pepper's in King Of Prussia, PA, on Friday, February 2. Joining Jozo & me will be David Bromberg drummer Josh Kanusky and Robert Randolph guitarist Brett Andrew. Gifts are optional. There will be cake. Showtime is 9 to 1.
J-HI AT THE BLUE BELL! - On Saturday, February 3, The Mighty Manatees return to the Blue Bell Inn in Blue Bell, PA. I will be joined by John RB on saxes and vocals, Kathleen Weber on vocals, Randy Wagner on bass and vocals, and Grammy-award winning drummer Jim "J-Hi" Hines on drums and vocals! Showtime is 9 to 12.
BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE! - Once again, our year of birthday tribute shows at The Rising Sun Barn in Telford, PA, begins on Tuesday, February 6, with the great Bob Marley. This will be an evening of Marley and Marley-related music. This year, the recording, sound and lights will be done by Mike Lightkep and his crew. Also appearing will be Ras Mykyl's band "The Rootsetters". Backdrops by Charles Juneau. Showtime is 7-ish to 11-ish. This is a Mystic Vagabond Production. Irie!
And finally, my 13 year old daughter Fiona has just been cast as "Lucy" in her school's production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" which will be presented on March 1, 2, & 3 at Pennfield Middle School in Hatfield, PA. There is also a Saturday afternoon matinee. I highly recommend that everyone attend one of these performances!
Here is a recording of Fiona playing ukelele and singing 3-part harmony with herself using a new microphone/recorder her brothers gave her for Christmas: https://tinyurl.com/FionasSong
Stay warm,
Ranger Will
IN PASSING -
Mike Ward
Indie (dog)
Simeon Booker
Malcolm Young
Mel Tillis
Wayne Cochrane
Rose Marie
Jerry Van Dyke
JANUARY - 2018
12 - Fri - Justin's, Skippack, PA 8 - 12 w/ JOZO!
13 - Sat - Bridgeport Ribhouse, Bridgeport, PA 9 - 1
19 - Fri - Hotel Fiesole, Skippack, PA 8 - 12 w/ RITCHIE DECARLO
20 - Sat - Brittingham's, Lafayette Hill, PA 9 - 1
25 - Thurs - Rising Sun Inn, Telford, PA 9 - 12:30
27 - Sat - Faracos, Quakertown, PA 6 - 9 Will & Randy acoustic duo
31 - Wed - West End Pub, Quakertown, PA 7:30 - 11
FEBRUARY - 2018
2 - Fri - Peppers, King Of Prussia, PA STEPHANIE COX'S 50TH B-DAY 9 - 1
3 - Sat - Blue Bell Inn, Blue Bell, PA 9 - 12
6 - Tues - Rising Sun Barn, Telford, PA BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE w/ THE ROOTSETTERS 7 - 11
7 - Wed - West End Pub, Quakertown, PA w/ MIKE GREER 7:30 - 11
8 - Thurs - Rising Sun Inn, Telford, PA 9 - 12;30
9 - Fri - Justin's, Skippack, PA 8 - 12
10 - Sat - PRIVATE PARTY Philapdelphia, PA 6 - 7:30
15 - Thurs - Bridgeport Ribhouse, Will & Randy acoustic duo 6 - 10
16 - Fri - Hotel Fiesole, Skippack, PA 8 - 12
22 - Thurs - Rising Sun, Telford, PA 9 - 12;30
28 - Wed - West End Pub, Quakertown, PA 7:30 - 11
