"I play backwards (left-handed upside-down), I'm handicapped right from the start. But I've been playing for so long that I've got to have picked up something."
- R. Crumb
THE RANGER REPORT - JULY 2024 - The Official Newsletter of The Mighty Manatees Medicine Show "Celebrating 38 Years of Musical Assistance"
118 NORTH - We return to the mighty 118 North in Wayne, PA, on Friday, July 5. Opening for us will be San Noche the roots reggae band that opened for us at the Sellersville Theater recently. San Noche starts at 9:00. The Mighty Manatees go on at 10:00. We be skankin'. http://www.118northwayne.com
BLUE BELL INN - Did you know that The Who front man Roger Daltrey recently dined at The Blue Bell Inn? It's true! Our acoustic 5-piece w/ Dean, John, Randy, Kathleen, and myself, will play outside in the courtyard of The Blue Bell Inn from 8 to 11 on Saturday night, July 6. Who knows who might show up? http://www.bluebellinn.com
SHED A LITTLE LIGHT CONCERT - BUILDING BRIDGES TO UNITY AND DIVERSITY - On Sunday afternoon, July 7th, Randy Wagner and I will perform at an event hosted by the Racial Justice Task Force of Paoli Presbyterian Church. This two hour show features Manatees co-founder Ray Adkins and his 8-piece One Man Dog Band (w/ Manatees alumnae Brian Herder and Jim Hines), Sista Pat (Thievery Corporation), Ty Stephens, and my 11-year old daughter Eleanor. A portion of the proceeds will go to City Team, Chester. It will be an afternoon of music by James Taylor, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone, Bill Withers, and Stevie Wonder, as well as our own original songs. The Paoli Presbyterian Church is located at 225 S. Valley Road in Paoli, PA. Showtime is 3:30 to 5:30 PM. For tickets please go to: http://www.onemandog.net Thanks to Ray Adkins.
HAVE A CIGAR! - Randy and I return to Cigar Republic on Wednesday, July 10. Maybe I'll get to play their grand piano. Showtime is 7:00 to 10:00 PM http://www.thecigarrepublic.com
10TH ANNUAL UPPER SALFORD PARK FREE CONCERT! It's true! On Thursday evening, July 11,The Mighty Manatees will play our annual Upper Salford Park free concert for the 10th time! Much thanks must be given to John "Manhattan Jack" Stacy and all the park staff. We will play a 90-minute set from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. This is an all-ages, pet friendly, outdoor event. Bring the family. Upper Salford Park is located at 559 Salford Station Road, Schwenksville, PA.
FARACOSPLAY - It's the chicken parm and the tomato pie! We just can't stay away. Randy, Tom, and myself play Faracos in Quakertown, PA, on Friday, July 12. Showtime is 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
PANASHISH - We play outside with the mighty Bob Tomlinson at Panache in Blue Bell, PA, on Saturday night, July 13. Also starring lead guitarist Bob Raynor and lead conga-ist Dave Rizzo. Showtime is 6:00 to 9:00 PM. http://www.panachewoodfiregrill.com
ST. PETER'S VILLAGE - There's a peaceful little hamlet in St. Peter's Village that we like to play once a year. It's an actual dead zone where cell phone signals go to disappear and your inner architecture calms down. We will play an outdoor concert down under the stars at 3250 St. Peter's Road, St. Peter's, PA, on Thursday evening, July 18. Showtime is 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Thanks to Chris Dilworth.
THE KIMBERTON FAIR! - It's true! We actually got a gig at a real fair with funhouses, bumper cars, and roller coasters! It should be a real Fellini-esque trip. The Kimberton Fair is situated at 762 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville, PA. Showtime is from 6:00 - 10:00 PM. Everybody's gonna wanna dose. Thanks to Bill & Nancy Rutter.
I JUST WANNA SEE THAT FITZWATERSHINE - Sunday afternoon, July 21, we're outside at The Fitzwater Station in Mont Clare, PA, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Special musical guests include Brian Herder and Ray Adkins. http://www.fitzwaterstation.com
THE BELLEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB - Our acoustic trio plays poolside at The Bellewood Country Club on Friday evening, July 26. Showtime is 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Members only.
THE RIBBY! - We play the legendary Bridgeport Rib House aka The Ribby on Saturday, July 27. Showtime is 9:00 to 12:30 AM. http://www.theribby.com
Thanks to Melissa.
And finally on a personal note, I am happy to report that my family and I have found ourselves a new home! Thanks to everyone for their help and positive vibrations.
Enjoy yourself,
Ranger Will
Hodgson In The Summertime
http://www.themightymanatees.com
http://www.SaveTheManatee.org
http://www.MLAR.org
JULY 2024 -
3 - Wed - Overbrook Country Club, Villanova, PA 4 - 7
5 - Fri - 118 NORTH, Wayne, PA w/ San Noche 9 - 12
6 - Sat - Blue Bell Inn 8 - 11
7 - Sun - SHED A LITTLE LIGHT CONCERT, Paoli Presbyterian Church 3:30- 5:30
10 - Wed - Cigar Republic, Conshohocken, PA 7 - 10
11 - Thurs - UPPER SALFORD PARK 7 - 8:30
12 - Fri - Faracos, Quakertown, PA 6 - 9
13 - Sat - Panache, Blue Bell, PA 8 - 11
18 - Thurs - St. Peter's Village 6 - 9
19 - Fri - KIMBERTON FAIR 6 - 10
20 - Sat - Private Party, Spring City, PA 6:30 - 10:30
21 - Sun - Fitzwater Station, Mont Clare, PA 3 - 7
26 - Fri - Bellewood Country Club, Pottstown, PA 6 - 9
27 - Sat - THE RIBBY aka Bridgeport Rib House 9 - 12:30
IN PASSING -
Gary Brown...Willie Mays...Marian Robinson...Parnelli Jones...Jeannette Charles...Donald Sutherland...Bob Kelley...Angela Bofill...Nick Marar...Mark James...Lynn Conway...William Andres...Harry Roland...Tony Morddddente...Ed Stone...Johnny Canales...Sarah Mandel...Anouk Aimee...Francoise Hardy...Arthur "Gaps" Hendrickson...Akira Endo...Rev. James Lawson Jr....Ann Lurie...Tamayo Perry...Shifty Shellshock...Dr. George Woodwell...Ray St. Germain...Jewel Brown...Bill Cobbs...Kinky Friedman...Martin Mull
Be excellent to one another.
