Music by Matt Putnam, Massachusetts singer/songwriter
Vocals, guitar, harmonica
Open Mike Night
Open Mike takes place Wednesdays from 9:00 - 12:00 (sign up at 8:30) at Paddy Barry's in Quincy. Come on down and enjoy the famous Paddy's "vibe". People here love live music.
Email me with any questions, or call Paddy's at 617-770-3620.
February 2008
February 28
Return engagements: Chuck Whelan • Brian Mahoney
Geoff Evans
Geoff is a real pleasure to hear, and quite a pleasant fellow as well. Great voice and a compelling, wide-reaching song selection. Maybe he'll bring his entire band in some night!
Sean Gilmartin
Sean distills only the best Irish songs in his powerful voice. He's a regular at the Wednesday open mic in Norwell, so it's a special treat when he comes this far north.
Brendan Feldstein
The first of what I hope will be many visits from Brendan. Being an old Dylan fan, I was especially taken with his rendition of "Masters of War", done with Bob's original, pulsating guitar arrangement.
Begs and Legs
Not only do they have the world's best duo name, they have a terrific presentation. Killer harmonies and driving guitar. David Legge (left) and Larry Beguerie are their "real" names, and I they're coming by pretty regularly.
Tom Sweeney
By now, Mr. Sweeney needs no introduction, but let's introduce him anyway. Ladies and gentlemen, from South Boston, it's Tom Sweeney, rocking out with everything from Bad Company to Ernie and Bert.
Matt Whipple
It's been a long time since Plymouth's Matt Whipple last came by. It's always great to hear this powerhouse vocalist and guitarist. Nobody does David Bowie like Matt—hell, hardly anybody does Bowie period—it's too hard.
Freddy K.
Another entry in the "long time no see" category, Quincy's own Freddy K. dropped in to take us for a spin in his world. It's always best to pay close attention and hold on to something—Freddy's an original's original. "Throw Momma from the Plane," anyone?
February 21
Return engagements: Chuck Whelan • Brian Mahoney • Bob McDermott
Richard Goldman
First time at Paddy's for Richard, who was on the prowl for an open mic on a rare night out. He hauled his guitar and mandolin all the way from Allston to deliver some choice tunes. Van Morrison's "Celtic Ray" and Bob Dylan's "Blind Willie McTell" were two of my favorites—also Richard's own "Cupid Shot Himself in the Foot."
Dick Webb
It was a pleasant surprise to be visited by the venerable Dick Webb—singer, blues picker and storyteller par excellence. He held court famously, ruminating on the merits of shooting coyotes.
Scott Bowser
Another pleasant surprise: Scott, the host of Paddy's Wednesday Acoustic Jam, dropped in to grace us with his usual jaw-dropping picking and singing. He even let me play harmonica with him—"I am not worthy!"
Rob Reidy
The best kind of open mic performer: a guy who decides on the spur of the moment to jump up and go for it. Rob joined me for a few tunes, most notably U2's "One." Let's hope he comes back.
February 14
Return engagements: Chuck Whelan • Brian Mahoney
Geoff Evans
Geoff returned in triumph with another truckload of tunes belted out in his superhuman voice. Here was a first: his entire set was played via phone to his mother. How's that for a Valentine's gift?
Begs and Legs
Larry "Begs" Beguerie and David "Legs" Legge kept the house rockin' with a set of rich harmonies and cool picking. Heavy on the Neil Young—they did a couple Neil probably can't even remember (what with impeachin' the President, and all).
Tom Sweeney
It's always a good time when Tom drops in. He's the only guy I know who can do "Wanted Dead or Alive" and the theme from Sesame Street in the same set and make it work. A true showman with a sense of humor.
James Norton
What can be said about James? It's been a long time since he's graced the hallowed halls of Paddy's, but he hasn't lost a step. His decidedly original "Turtle Frisbee" is still a knockout.
Landon Kass
Landon came all the way down from Beverly, Massachusetts just to honor us with a few of his gripping original songs. A great singer and guitarist, and a nice guy to boot.
Mike Yocco
At the risk of attracting a bunch of nursing home solicitation spam, I must confess that I was tickled to hear Mike play the Carl Perkins rockabilly ballad "Turn Around"—and Ray Charles' immortal "You Don't Know Me." As soon as Gnarls Barkley does a song as great as either of those, let me know and I'll buy you a sarsaparilla.
February 7
Return engagements: Chuck Whelan • Brian Mahoney
Jim Keady
More gravitas from the king of class. This guy can play... and sing.
Kevin Godbout
You never know what Kevin will play next; that's why it's so much fun to hear him. Plus, he's so darn good at it.
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2008
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2007
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For the serious collector: Vintage Tuesday Open Mike