RON THOMPSON'S BLUESLETTER
September 2006 Edition
Whew! Another edition of the Bluesletter is finally here! We apologize for taking so long; however, once you read this issue, you will understand the delay. Ron has been doing everything at once--recording, performing, and planning great events--keeping his team more than busy!
This edition includes:
RETURN TO THE MIDWEST TOUR
Ron enjoyed his recent "Return to the Midwest Tour." Ron and his Midwest Resistors--Steve York on bass and Steve Jennings on drums--covered seven states and drove more than 2,000 miles, enduring severe heat, humidity and thunderstorms during their three-week trek.
In Minneapolis, Ron jammed with old friend Chris Isaak . Isaak was in town for a performance at the Orpheum Theatre and when he finished his gig, he brought his entire band down to Famous Dave's to witness the Thompson Tornado. Chris jumped on stage and told the flabbergasted crowd, "You don't know how lucky you are to be in a little club seeing the legendary Ron Thompson. He's one of the last living blues legends. He's the real deal." The fortunate crowd, already ecstatic from Ron's electrifying performance, went nuts.
Ron and Chris vow to get together soon and collaborate musically. Chris has asked Ron to play on his next CD. We will have more details as they develop, so stay tuned! Many of you may remember that Ron joined forces with Isaak on San Francisco Days and True Tone Platinum . When Ron had his own club, "RT's," in the Central Valley a few years back, Chris showed up one night and they blew the roof off the place!
Ron's "Return to the Midwest Tour" drew rave reviews everywhere he appeared. One writer said of Ron's performance at Knucklehead's in Kansas City, "This guy gathers excitement around him like an electric field--the hair stands up on your arms when you get close, infects the crowd by induction, driving it like pounding the nail head. He could take a soggy cardboard box with strings and whip up a frenzy. Forget the young kids in tight pants and big amps, this old, funky fella beats everyone way past home."
Long-time fan G.S. Kearny of Lincoln, Nebraska, caught Ron's show at the world-famous Zoo Bar and has kindly posted some photos on his website:
http://app.tabblo.com/studio/stories/shared/2928/az1xlrw4hg6eq58
Ron extends his gratitude to his Midwest Resistors Steve York and Steve Jennings for their great Road Dog teamwork and wonderful music.
Many DJs and others helped get the word out that Ron was back in town! They include: Patrick Courtemanche at Famous Dave's; Roger Naber, Head Honcho of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise , who also runs a blues show on KKFI in Kansas City; Connie "Crush" Hamilton, also on KKFI; Mark Halverson on KMSU in Mankato, Minnesota; "Dr. Lucky" from Columbus Ohio; and many others.
Ron would also like to thank all the folks at the Midwest venues and festivals who brought him out: Frank Hicks at Knucklehead's in Kansas City, Missouri; Todd Yeomans with the Prairie Dog Blues Festival in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; James Luther at the River Walk Restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Terry O'Halloran at SHAG A Vodka Bar in Omaha, Nebraska; Pete Waters at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln, Nebraska; Jeff Wagner at Blues on Grand in Des Moines, Iowa; Paul Metsa of Famous Dave's in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mike Maxim of Dubh Linn's in Duluth, Minnesota; and Chris Mackey with the Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth, Minnesota.
Ron sends a very special thank you to the hard-working staff and volunteers at all these venues who offered Ron and the band such kindness and hospitality throughout the Return to the Midwest Tour.
RON HAS A NEW CD! REALLY! IT'S TRUE! 
Ron has been promising everyone for years--and now it's really happening. Ron has been in the studio with good friend, fellow musician, and producer Lenny Smith of London, England. Lenny recently relocated from San Francisco back to the UK, but returned this month to help Ron put the finishing touches on this new, all original, solo CD. Lenny recorded Ron on guitar and piano, and then mixed the two together for an unbelievable all-Ron Thompson recording. It will amaze you! Look for announcements on Ron's website soon. (Really. We're serious this time!) The CD is scheduled to be available well in time for the holidays, making it the perfect stocking stuffer for the blues lover in your life and for you!
ANOTHER LIVE RADIO INTERVIEW! 
Tune in to Sonoma radio station KSVY on Monday, October 2nd, at 5:30 PM. Ron will be doing a live on-air interview and playing a little music on one of his favorite blues shows, with one of his favorite DJ's, "Smokin' Joe" Herrschaft.
http://www.ksvy.org/shows/Guys5_mon.htm
MEXICO BLUES WORKSHOP VACATION
In February 2008, Ron, along with Resistor Steve York and others, will be hosting the "First Annual Mexico Blues WorkshopVacation" for musicians and aspiring musicians in beautiful Puerto Vallarta! This opportunity is sponsored by Vallarta Music Vacations . For those wanting to attend, you'll need to hurry because spaces are very limited.
The workshops will be held at the Hacienda Mosaico , a beautiful artist's retreat located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. The vacation package includes accommodations at the Hacienda (based on double occupancy), with breakfast and lunch included on workshop days. In addition there will be evening jam sessions at a local club.
To ensure the best possible experience for participants, the workshops will be limited to no more than twelve people. Arrangements will be made to videotape the workshops and jams.
Included is all instruction. Amplifiers, keyboards and drums will be available. Participants will be required to bring other instruments. Instruments may be rented locally at reasonable cost.
The vacation package--including all workshops and seven nights of accommodations--is available for $1800.00 USD, with a 10% discount to any members of any Blues Society. Not included is dinner and airfare. Price is per person based on double occupancy. Additional discounts may also be available.
For more details and information, log on to: http://www.vallartamusicvacations.com/workshops.htm .
BLUES FOR A GREEN CAUSE
Ron leads an impressive blues line-up on November 9 th at the Independent nightclub in San Francisco, at the world premiere of the Environmental Defense Fund 's new documentary, "Discover Hetch Hetchy," narrated by Harrison Ford. The movie won the "Best Short" prize at the 2006 Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival , and will be featured at the Environmental Film Festival at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, next March.
Several other "green" movies will be screened during the evening. The doors open at 5:30 PM. The event--including films--begins at 6PM. The music starts at 9:30 PM. Ron has enlisted several blues friends, including vocalist Angela Strehli , keyboardist/bassist Pete Sears from Hot Tuna , and keyboardist Austin DeLone. Several other big names are on tap to appear as well. Keep watching Ron's calendar for more details!
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and VIP seating is $100. Tickets may be purchased by credit card (Mastercard and Visa) through www.ticketweb.com . Or you may order from Ticketweb by phone at 866/468-3399.
MAKING NEW MUSIC WITH OLD FRIENDS
SCHOOLBOY CLEVE
Many of you may remember that Ron met Schoolboy Cleve , whose real name is Cleveland White, many decades ago. Ron's very first record, My Heart is Crying, was with Schoolboy in 1972. (Bluesletter, April 2005.) Schoolboy, who claims he is now 81 (but we can't believe it!), came out to jam with Ron in July at a blues festival held at Jackson Rancheria Casino.
Ron and Schoolboy Cleve at Jackson
Schoolboy just released a new CD. The Baton Rouge Advocate recently published a story on Schoolboy and the new recording. Check it out at:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/entertainment/music/3924112.html
TOMMY CASTRO
Tommy & Ron at the Uptown Club, Oakland
Tommy Castro dropped by the No Name Bar in Sausalito a few weeks ago to hear Ron playing solo, and joined Ron on stage for a couple of great blues tunes. Tommy is the King of Blues Cruises this year, and is performing on most, if not all cruises, including the upcoming October Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. Ron and Tommy are planning to record and perform more together soon.
SONNY RHODES
Old friend Sonny Rhodes , the "Disciple of the Blues," came out from his home in Florida for some California dates this summer. Sonny joined Ron and His Resistors at the Florence in Niles last month. The standing room only audience enjoyed a spectacular evening of great music.
Ron Thompson, Leonard Gill, and Sonny Rhodes
BIG JOHN EVANS
Blues and jazz fans were saddened to learn of drummer "Big John" Evans' recent stroke. Ron has played with Big John for decades, and thinks he is one of the best drummers on the scene today. Big John has been joining Ron at the Torch Club in Sacramento lately. We wish Big John a speedy recovery back to good health!
From Ron: "Big John was supposed to play drums with Leonard Gill and me at the Torch Club in Sacramento last Saturday, September 16 th . I didn't know what had happened to him, but then found out he had a stroke and could not make the gig. However, to his credit, he found another drummer to fill in.
"I have always been very proud to play with Big John Evans. To quote Larry Vann, 'Big John is one of the baddest fatback drummers around.'
"I met Big John in the early '70's at a nightclub in Oakland--Club Shalamar. I was playing with Little Joe Blue. John was with the next band that night. He knocked me out back then. Man, what a shuffle! I later saw him playing with Johnny Heartsman's band with Tiny Powell.
"It was one of those moments in time I will always remember. Tiny was singing his song, My time after a while , like he was singing in church. Buddy Guy later recorded this song. He got it from Tiny's version. John was putting the beat down so heavy and Johnny Heartsman's guitar was stinging behind Tiny's vocals. It was something I'll always remember. That's how bad Big John Evans is."
Please send your thoughts and prayers to Big John at this time. If you can help, Big John needs financial assistance to cover his medical bills, especially since he is currently unable to work. Donations may be sent to Big John at:
John Evans
3721 Rio Linda Blvd. #228
Sacramento CA 95838
MONICA DUPONT
Long-time friend and legendary blues performer, Monica Dupont, is recording her first album in 23 years. She has had a few setbacks and is permanently disabled after suffering a stroke in 1983. The CD is scheduled to be ready by the end of the year, and is appropriately titled Life Goes On .
Monica has assembled an impressive group of talented friends to record with her, including: Ron T hompson, Hi Tide Harris, Jimi James (of John Lee Hooker fame), Bobby Young (of the Bobby Young project), Red Archibald, Bobbie Webb, Kenneth Nash, and British blues great "Wolfie" Witcher.
Maria Bainer and Monica Dupont
CALIFORNIA BLUES NEWS WITH MARIA BAINER
If you want to keep up on the California blues scene, we highly recommend that you check out Maria Bainer's online column, "California Blues News." Maria publishes several times a year, and provides readers with the latest news and announcements about blues events, new CDs, and blues artists. She writes so well, her column would be fun to read even if it didn't have all the late-breaking news. Check it out.
http://www.bluesartstudio.at/NeueSeiten/2006MB03.html
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
As always, check Ron's online calendar to see where he's playing. Links to venues, performance times, and prices are provided on the calendar. Upcoming shows include:
Crossroads, Fresno Every Thursday (almost!)
Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio September 29
Rudy's Jazz & Blues, Merc September 30
Napa Valley Blues Festival, St. Helena October 7
The Florence October 8
The Bistro, Hayward October 9 (duo with Mitch Moughan!)
Mojo Lounge, Fremont October 14
Thursday Night Marketplace, Hanford October 19
Soho, Petaluma October 21 (solo)
Town Hall Halloween Party, Tomales October 28
Benefit for the Foster Friends, Fresno November 3
Biscuits and Blues, San Francisco November 8
Independent (EDF Film Premiere) November 9
Empress Yacht Cruise, SF Bay November 12
West Side Theatre, Newman November 18
KCSS 91.9 Blues/Americana, Turlock December 2
***(solo--also appearing: Suzy & Eric Thompson!)
J.J.'s Blues, San Jose December 9
Caffe Trieste, Berkeley December 15 (solo)
Table Mountain Casino, Friant December 29
© 2006 Ron Thompson