Sonny Landreth- Michigan- Dave- Ana/Jason Ricci

So- lots to tell about.

trying to get caught up here.

We opened for Sonny Landreth a few weeks back in Charlotte, Nc.

It was an incredible show- at a killer theatre in Charlotte.

Thanks to boys of Intrepid for this opportunity.

Sonny and his band were unbelievable- and very inspiring.

Sonny was nice- we took a few pictures- and talked guitar- awesome!!!

We then headed north to Michigan and Ohio.

We opened the "Blues on the Mall" series in Grand Rapids, Mi.

Over 5000 people downtown on a wed. night for a free blues concert with yours truly!!!!

What a rush- and we had a great show.

We did it again the next night in Lansing as well.

We then headed down to the Blue Devil in Toledo, Oh- and rocked the house.

Jeff Mancini was a true gentlemen and treated us like kings!

So- we have a road manager/merch guy now on the road with us.

His name is Dave Sherbrook. He's from Detroit, Mi- but we met in LA.

He was an intern for the label- and he was helping us out in California.

I told him he needed to go on the road with me- so he quit his job and packed his bags!!!

Dave met up with us in Alabama- and has been rocking ever since.

He is also and exceptional drummer- and his family is also the bomb.

His parents gave up their basement when we had a few days off, for us to sleep and hang out.

His brother plays a mean guitar and his dad plays bass!

We had a few days off last week in St. Louis- visiting family ad friends.

Ironically- my label mates - Jason Ricci, and Ana Popovic were both in town at BB's.

We saw Jason and his band last Sunday night- great show- and some killer jams.

Jason can play the harp- like no other!

Tuesday night we saw Ana and her band.

WOW! What a show. You would never know she just had a baby!

She rocked hard and her band was stellar!

I took my son Zach- who is 13 and playing guitar-

I think he fell in love!

We have been dragging around now for about 6 weeks- and we have one more.

We will be in Columbia, Mo tonight with Tab Benoit.

Check our calendar for this weeks dates.

St. Louis on Sunday night at BB's- which is always a rocking show!

I am looking forward to a family vacation over the 4th of July with my wife and kids.

Hope you are having a great summer!

Peace,

Zito

HOLLYWOOD!!!

So........We just got out of Hollywood alive.

hows that for dramatic?

What a trip we had to California!

We rolled in on a weekend off- which did not suck at all.

Rehearsals started off on Monday at the world famous "Alley".

Everyone has rehearsed here- Little Feat, Bonnie Raitt, Smashing Pumpkins, John Mayer......

the list goes on forever!

Our group was pretty incredible for our showcases:

Tony Braunagel on drums,  Teresa James on keys and vocals, Debra Dobkin on percussion and

vocals, and then Bike and Zito!

First show was Tuesday night at the Mint on Pico.

We did a hour set- rocked the house- and had a blast-

then we rolled out to Hollywood to play pool and eat late........

I played the "Hustler" himself (Mars Callahan) at pool.......and believe it or not,

but he kicked my a$$!!!!

Wed night was an intimiate acoustic show at Gengis Cohen with Debra on percussion,

and me playing and singing.

Thursday night was the House of Blues on Sunset in Hollywood!

What can I say- it rocked- it was a blast- and Ron Jeremy was at our gig.......

After the show, we were invited to the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood to see a killer

set of musicians- playing some serious jazz and funk.

Our friend Cara Kidwell got us in the swanky club- and got me onstage to sit in on some

Miles Davis- what a blast.

Friday night we hit Cozy's in Sherman Oaks.

This was an all out jam session- featuring Teresa James, Michael Kalmar, Bike, Joey Pahfumi,

John black, Aaron West, and my man Rand Chortkoff.

We jammed until they threw us out- the night ended with me and Aaron playing an acoustic

version of "Time to go home".

Saturday we hit the beach- Hermosa Beach.

We played at Cafe' Boogaloo- killer club with great food and a Louisiana feel.

I overheard the owner Steve telling someone he was from Bunke......

I said "Bunke, La?"- Yep!

Just like being back home for sure.

Kirk Fletcher came out that night as well as Rand Chortkoff- and we had a night to remember.

We took the day off on Sunday- a day of rest- and headed out on Monday.

I want to thank all of my friends at Eclecto Groove records for everything they do.

Thanks to Tony Braunagel, Teresa James, and Debra Dobkin for all the great music!

Special thanks to my good friend, Rand Chortkoff.

He has made all of these dreams come true for me- and for that I will be eternally grateful.

Peace,

Zito