Pocketchange: Your Blues Band

Jason Martin resigned his position as lead vocalist for Pocketchange. We thank Jason for his time and performances with the band. We wish him the best in what ever he decides to do.

Jefferson Bistro was pretty wild and crazy Saturday night. Good times, good food, good drinks, and plenty of people watching. See the notes in the gossip section for more details.

Many thanks to the new owner of the Jefferson Bistro. Rich has a good thing going on the south side and we wish him the best. He even has a pretty good Stevie Ray Vaughan Voice!! Getting down with “The Sky is Crying” with the Pocketchange Blues Band.

Thank you for your support again, as we had a very good turn out. Keep telling your friends, or better yet, bring them with you.

03/29/08

Thank you, for your strong support last night at Riddles. We are going back there on May 31^st. Mark your calendar for that one. University City sure supports the local clubs and loves the live music scene. We were happy to a part of it. Mr. Howard Young plays there on Tuesday nights, and found out Brian Curran would not be able to make this gig, so Howard stepped up to the plate and offered our services. They asked us back again, so we will be there, and hopefully more after that.

03/20/08

Pocketchange is proud to welcome Mr. Larry Wohldmann to the band. Larry has been keeping the beat for us the past month and has been great to work with. We offered him the position full time, and Larry has accepted. Come on out Friday night 03/21/2008 at Llwelyns Pub 10 pm to 1 am. Webster Groves location off of Moody www.llywelynspub.com

03/15/08

Good times at J.P.'s Corner last night. St. Patrick's partying, along with a few birthday's and lots of Pocketchange friends and family really made it rocking good time.

Special thanks again to Larry for helping us on the drums this weekend.

Mr. Darrow Washington joined us again, for some great guitar parts, and good times.

We are at Llywelyn's Pub - Webster this Friday night 3/21/08. 10pm to 1am

01/20/2008

Very cold weekend and a big football weekend, we were worried about anyone getting out to hear music over the weekend. Friday night was a little slow, but Saturday night was a very good night. Thank you for your support, and anyone that came by Saturday night was treated to a very good show. Mr. Darrow Washington came by to play some mean guitar, and Mr. Kendall Hoffman found the groove Saturday night on drums and Pocketchange was really having a good time. We hope to continue improving every weekend with Kendall, and this Friday night January 25^Th, we will be at the Tower Pub.

01/06/08

We had a good time Saturday night at J.P’s Corner. Mr. Kendall Hoffman keeping the beat for us and did a great job for the first time as the real Pocketchange timekeeper.

We really threw him some curves for his first night out. We had two special guests join us for most of the night, Mr. Darrow Washington on guitar and Mr. Brad Waller on bass.

So not only did he not know most of the songs, he did not even know most of the band. He was sick on top of that, and we still had a great sound. I cannot wait for the next show. We had great support from our friends, and family, music lovers and we made some new friends there, so we were very happy with the evening.

Thank you Once again

12/24/2007

Pocketchange is please to announce we have a new drummer! Kendall Hoffman will be our new pace maker. We really had a good time this weekend and we really appreciate the time and effort both Larry Wohldmann and Kendall Hoffman gave us. It was not an easy choice to make, as both of them brought some great chops, great skills, and very good attitudes with them. Both of these guys have had a few years experience, and could really lay down a groove. Welcome to the team Kendall! Keep an eye on the page for some pics, and a bio page.

12/20/07

Wishing every one a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for all your support.

12/12/07

A wise young man once told me when one door closes another one will soon open. Tom May has moved on, and played his last set with the Pocketchange Band. So we are on the search for a replacement drummer. We have had the opportunity to play with several people this last month knowing Tom was moving on, so we are narrowing it down at this time. Next Friday night the 21^st and Saturday night the 22^nd we will have a couple very fine drummers sitting in for the night. I hope you get a chance to come by and check out the new sound, let us know what you think.

As always, I will keep you posted.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We are not going to be playing Wednesday night 11/21/2007. We had a booking at Spooty's for this Wednesday night, and they canceled it. So if you made plans to come out and see us, just delay it, until Friday night. We are at The Tower Pub on Friday 11/23/2007.

If you have enjoyed the Pocketchange Band over the last year, and enjoyed the chops, laid down by Tom May I would encourage you to make it a point to come out and see us.

Tom is moving on, and will no longer be the drummer for Pocketchange. He has agreed to stay on with us until we find a replacement or until the end of the year. We have had a great time with Tom, and he has treated us with some pretty cool solo's during the time with us. " One Way Out" will not be the same without that drum solo. Anyway, if you get the chance come on out and catch him before he moves on down the road.

10/10/07

We have just been invited to play at a new location. The R-Spot Bar and Grill. They are just opening, under new management and are opening up the doors for live music every Saturday night. We are playing there on Oct. 20^th from 9 pm to 1 am. Located on the corner of Chippewa and Gravois. Across the street from McMahon Ford, on Chippewa. Come on out and support the owners that support live music. Let them know we all appreciate it.

0914/07

Mr. Howard Young brought out his friends from the high school days last night. That’s right, they held their high school reunion last night, and several of them stopped by Spooty’s last night. We had a great time, Wow Howard; high school must have been a blast!! Those guys really know how to party!! If anyone got any pic’s of that group please send them too me, I would love to put them on the web site. Send them to trunner_2000@hotmail.com

We would like to thank Max Baker from the Baker McClaren band for sitting in with us, while taking a break from his gig, across the street. Joe, (do not know his last name) sat in on bass, during that song, and Mr. Ben Hanvy performed “Hard to Handle” on vocals.

Thank you all very much.

08/19/07

We took the weekend off because I had to do some training for Chrysler. We are back this Friday night at Spooty’s.

I signed up for a class in Memphis, (go figure) and 8/17 happens to be the anniversary of Elvis’s death. So it was pretty crazy weekend in Memphis. We ended up in B.B.’s club to listen a Blues band, and the second act was an R & B Band, featuring a female entertainer, singer, Aretha style vocalist. Pretty good night, then we walked Beale Street and there were bands playing in every bar, alley, court, etc. any place they could fit a band, and some just outside on the sidewalk in front of the place.

We were so close to the origins of the blues, we decided to take a road trip Saturday morning. Clarksdale Mississippi here we come. The home of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and many more. We saw the famous “Crossroads” Highway 49 and 61. and we took the tour of the Delta Blues Museum. We also, had a few drinks at the famous Ground Zero Blues Club. I like the address, 0-Blues Alley. Where it all began, ground zero, that’s were the got the name. There is some much history down there, amazing to see some of it. A few hours is just not enough time, but I was really glad we took the time to go there.

I took a few pics, so just click here if you world like to see them.

07/21/07.

The Tower Pub has become one of Pocketchange regular places to play. We really enjoy the south side hospitality from those that frequent the pub. Rob has done a great job of bringing in the younger crowd, and those that enjoy the live music scene. The support from the area and his staff is really appreciated. We usually see Erin behind the bar on the nights that we play, and she does a great job, we never have any complaints about the service. That means a lot to us. We ask many people to come out and see us play, and it is nice to be able to tell them the service is good.

Mr. Ben Hanvy was on stage with us again, and sang “Hard to Handle”. Ben does a great job, and we look forward to him sitting in with the band. Thanks again Ben and Kim for your support. You guys stick it out til the end, and we love it!!

07/15/07

Many thanks to Mr. Ben Hanvy for joining with Pocketchange and showing his vocal talent. Bringing a little New Orleans sound to the popular Clapton song “Tore Down” and SRV song “Pride and Joy” Ben performed very well considering the distraction from the dance floor. Trying to sing while your girl is dancing for you, is quite the challenge. Great job Ben and Kim. Thank you

07/10/07

Pocketchange backstage is happy to report we have a few new places to play. We have been invited back to JP’s Corner in south county. And we have been invited to play at Llywelyn’s Pub in Webster Groves.

I will post the dates as soon as I know for sure. We want to thank you for your support. It sure helps us out when we are talking to the owners, just to let them know we have some great people that we will bring to their establishments. If you know of any places you would like to see us play, just let us know and we will try to make contact. It usually takes some time to get into a new place. We have been trying Llywelyn’s for close to a year now. Thank you again, and see out soon.

06/10/07.

Tour De Cure 2007 is finished. This year was the first time Pocketchange performed at the event, and I thought it went very well. Many great comments from the riders, volunteers, and committee members regarding having the live music at the event, so if all is well next year, we will be back. Tom May, and his wife Charlene, Tim and Tom Bauer all rode the short family route, then came back to set up, for the performance. We played from around 11:00 am to about 4:00 pm. The weather was beautiful, and our view from on top of the stage was fantastic. I would like to thank all who supported the tour this year. Many people from all walks of life are involved in putting this together and making it happen. Many of my friends and family are all helping out, riding, raising money, and volunteering their time, and their family’s time and this really made this tour special for me.

Pocketchange will be back at soulard this coming up weekend. June 15^th, and 16^th. We are at Spooty’s, so come on out. Be sure to check the calendar for the dates and times.

Again, thank you for all you do for us.

06/01/07

No shows this weekend. We are ramping up for the 1^st annual Tour De Cure Pocketchange Live show. We will be playing for the American Diabetes Association on June the 9^th at the Raging Rivers water park, in Alton Il. I have linked the site from here, if you would find the urge to sponsor me in the ride this year. Click here to visit my personal page.

I am going to ride the bike, and then get back, and play music for the finish line crowd. Hope it all works ok.

Will be sending more information to let you know when we start back up. Or just click on the calendar of events tab to view all of them.

Thank you

05/25/07

We are back at Spootys this weekend. Friday night and Saturday night.Come on out and celebrate Memorial weekend with us.

We are no longer going to be playing at the On Broadway Bistro. We would like to thank Jesse and Angie for having us there, and wish them the best, hope all their plans work out for them.

04/24/07

Come on down to Spooty’s this weekend. My daughter Lauren is coming in from school this weekend and she is going to play drums for us Saturday night for the first set. Tom May will be running late, so Lauren is playing the first set. So come on out and see the band.

The return of the Savage Bitches!! You thigh biting savages you!! I loved it. Wow, did that bring back some great memories. You guys made the party, and I know that’s not the first time you have heard that. Thank you very much for coming out to Parrot’s Saturday night. Good times, lots of fun.

02/03/07.

Good times at Spooty’s Saturday night. Great crowd, and much action, forcing you to keep your head up!! See the gossip section for more details. Sketch artist was in the house and kept very busy trying to capture Pocketchange live, of course he had to wait for the set break to try to get Jason, no way to draw him live, he does not sit still long enough for the guy to get him even between breaks. Hot Rod Ron brought out the old Gibson ES335 and performed some Marshall Tucker, ZZ Top, Santana, and of course SRV for the night cap. Tim and Ron had some fun exchanging leads, and doing commercials for Spooty’s!! If you missed it, you missed a good one.

01/28/07

On Broadway Bistro is our newest bar that we are playing at. We had a great turn out last Friday night. It seemed like it was going to be hard to get people to show, but finally you braved the location and came out.

We are going to be back at Spooty’s the next couple of weekends. So grab a friend and come on out. Mardi Gras weekend we will be at Spooty’s; on Friday at our regular time 9 pm to 1 am, and Saturday we are playing from 6:30 to 10:30.

Check the web site, because we are back at the Tower Pub, and Parrot’s in St. Charles also.

Thanks for your support,

12/31/06

Pocketchange would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

12/24/06

Merry Christmas to all and thank you very much for making 2006 a wonderful year for Pocketchange.

11/12/06

Special thanks to Mr. Ernest McBride for coming out and singing with the Pocketchange Blues Band Friday night. Really enjoyed the medley of “Stand by Me” great job!

Mr. Tony Patton joined us Saturday night to play to entire evening with us. Tony spent the last several years playing keyboard with the Chris Blair band, and now he is back in town, and spending most of his time with his new wife, and daughter, so not much time for a band gig these days, so we thank Tony for taking the time to fill in for Howard.

10/27/06.

Where were you tonight?

You might ask yourself that question many years from now, just what was I doing when the Cardinals won the World Series. The last time they won was in 1982, we were at home watching the game and after the win, we decided to go downtown to celebrate. So Kathy and I took Tim downtown, and I put Tim on my shoulders and we walked the streets of down town, partying, and having a blast. Some things have changed, I did not put Tim on my shoulders, but we were playing music, partying, and celebrating the win.

Last night when we were driving home, Tim asked me, “Were we at the game when we won in 82, because I remember being on your shoulders, and all kinds of crazy people running around,” Tim was 3 years old.

The Parrot’s Sports bar in St. Charles had a great turn out for the game, and they stuck around after the game, to enjoy the band, and all the people celebrating the win.

10/22/06

Go you Redbirds!!!! We had a great time at Spooty’s this weekend.

Mr. Ernest McBride joined us Friday night onstage as our vocalist. That was a lot of fun, we usually get other musicians come in and play, but not very often do we get a chance to give Jason a rest, and have a guest singer. I work with Ernest, and I heard him singing in the shop one day last week, and said, “Man, you should come out and sing with Pocketchange some night”. I was really surprised when he said he would. And even more surprised when he actually did. Thank you Ernest!! "Walkin the dog" got some soul!!!!

Saturday night we had the Redbird crowd in Spooty’s, so we waited until the game was over, to start. My daughter Lauren and her friend from school, Vanessa were on a St. Louis road trip, so one of the “ have to see” places was Soulard, and of course Spooty’s. And when we know who you are!! Well___

“Nobody gets out here without singing the blues” So Lauren joined us as our drummer for a few songs. Thank you Lauren!!

And the night would not be complete without a request for Mustang Sally. This was very different, because Kea requested it, and made the phone call to Michelle so she could hear it from the cell phone. Now that is customer service, playing requests over the phone!!! Kea was trying to get Jason to sing some Bon Jovi!! Almost succeeded, well, you would have to have been there!!! And a final thanks to Tim, for sticking it out, Tim was not feeling very well at all and Saturday I thought we were going to have to throw in the towel a couple time. Thanks Tim, and get well soon!!!

Adrian is in Chicago!!!

Thank you Adrian for coming back last night to join us at the Tower Pub.

We had a great time, with special guest Rob Garland, and many of our friends.

Once we got started, it was a great time. We played from 10:20 pm to about 1:15 with one short break about midnight.

I know some of you had to leave before we got started, and I am very sorry about that. I told the owner, that we could all enjoy both, but he just did not listen. Finally in the eight inning he let us get started.

Thank you all for coming out and showing your support and wishing Adrian the best in Chicago. Thank you Rob Garland!! Great guitar work! Lot of fun having you play the hole evening.

We are at Spooty’s next weekend Friday night and Saturday night the 20^th and the 21^st.

Hope to see you there

10/01/06

Thank you for coming out to Spooty’s this weekend. We had a lot of fun bringing out the new songs. For those of you who know our set list, I know this was fun for you too. We ended up with six new songs, and we played them all both nights. Very seldom does our lead singer Jason tell you the names of the songs, or who the artist is that does them, but Friday night he slipped and Albert Kings name came up. Jason always seems to let the crowd know what the song is about that are getting ready to play, and that by itself is worth coming out to see. You never know what he may come up with. We had the FFF

Night Friday night, we had an unusual request for a birthday song Saturday night. Hope you enjoyed it Brian!!! We enjoy playing that one. That was first time I ever heard that song announced, “This is a song about erectile dysfunctions” "Willy the Wimp!!"

We received notice Friday night that our friend Adrian House took a job, and will be moving out of state. We will really miss Adrian as a musician, and as a friend. I think the Tower Pub will miss him also, I know how much he loves to dance with those ladies!

Adrian will make his last appearance with us at the Tower Pub, on Friday night Oct. 13.

If you have never heard him play, it is worth the trip out to hear him on that fender strat.

Great rhythm, fantastic leads, and not too shabby slide guitar. Come on out and let Mr. Adrian House know how much we appreciate him. We thank you, for your years of dedication, and great friendship. Best wishes to you in Chicago.

09/22/06

No shows this weekend, however we are back in Soulard next weekend. Friday night 09/29/06 and Saturday night 09/30/06. We are at Spooty’s, and we have been working on a few new songs, and a new Pocketchange Original!! This one is written by Jason so you know it has to be rated, well just come on out and hear it for yourselves

09/10/06

We had great time at Spooty’s this weekend. Thank you all for coming out.

Good crowds both nights, and lots of laughs. Jason even got spanked!!

Yes, turned his back to the crowd, and bent over to get a drink, and yes, he got spanked.

Like I said before, you never know what will happen at a show, so come on out.

We have a couple weekends off, so we will not play until the end of the month. We are back at Spooty’s on the 29^th, and 30^th.

Thank you Mr. Tim Heidemann, drummer for the Blues Drivers, who sat in for us Friday night while Mr. Tom May took his daughter to college.

Thank you Mr. Rob Garland!!

Rob and his wife Heather stopped by Friday night, and Heather was kind enough

to let us steale Rob for one complete set. Now that was fun, and to think not even

a cover charge to hear this great talent.

We are off for the Labor Day weekend, but will be back in soulard at Spooty's

the weekend of the 8th, and 9th.

Come on out, you never know what will happen.

As Jason announced Friday night "Man Down!!". You never know what will happen

08/20/06

We had a pretty good weekend, we played Friday night in St. Charles at Parrots, and we played Saturday night in soulard at Spooty's. We had a couple bass players in the house Saturday night. Brad, who has played with Alex and Adrian House at the Morgan Ford Blues Bar sat in for a few songs and Tom May's brother Ted sat in for a few songs.

08/08/06

Ok, I just have to give my friend Rob Garland a big high five!!!. You know the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" Not true!! Rob Garland has taught this old dog some new tricks...I mean some new licks. For any of you guitar players that have ever thought about taking some lessons, I highly recommend Rob.

08/06/06

Thank you so much for your support over the weekend. We had very good crowds at both of show this weekend. We had friends that joined us after the Kenny Wayne Shepherd show on Saturday, and one of our own Mr. Howard Young was on stage with Mr. Johnny Fox just before Kenny Wayne Shepherd played. A busy, river city blues day for all of them. We had two special guests playing with us this weekend. On Friday night we had Ron Schmiedebush from Hot Rod Ron’s sit in on guitar to fill in for Adrian House who got called into work. Yes, that is right, Adrian had to work!!

On Saturday night my daughter, Ms. Lauren Bauer sat in on drums for a couple of songs at my request. She is heading off to college next week so as a going away gift she came up and played. Great weekend, and thank you for sharing it with us. Gabby, send some pics!!

07/09/06.

Thank you all for coming out to Spooty’s this weekend. We had a great weekend and great support from all of you. It was nice to give a warm welcome to Mr. Tom May our new drummer. Pocketchange was treated to its first real deal drum solo and we loved it.

We took advantage of it on Saturday night; to take a break, grab a refreshment (or whatever) before rejoining Tom for the ending of the song.

If you were not able to see us this weekend, we will be in St. Charles again at the Parrot’s Sports Bar. On Saturday 07/22/06. 9pm to 1am.

06/20/06.

Pocketchange has a new drummer!!. We are proud to introduce Mr. Tom May. as our new full time drummer. We would like to thank Radamir, Mr. Marty Monson, and Alex House for keeping us going while we were looking for a new time keeper.

06/09/06.

Pocketchange would like to thank Mr. Jeff Thompson for his involvement with the Pocketchange Blues Band. Jeff has been behind the drum set for the past couple years keeping the beat for the band. Good luck Jeff and Claudia we wish all the best for you. Thanks again Jeff for time and support.

06/04/06.

Pocketchange made their first appearance in St. Charles on Friday night. We had a very good time and I think the Parrot’s Sports Bar will be having us back again. We will let you know the dates when we get them.

Baby K’s had us back for the second time on Saturday night. That was a pretty crazy night! We had a blast. Some pictures on the page should let you know what kind of night we had. You know it has to be a fun one when we have Francesca dancing on the bar. Tom Brooks was a dancing machine, with a grand finale during the end of “One way out” nice touch!!

At one time I thought it was ladies night, or should I say ladies club!! Some pretty interesting dancing and more going on with a couple (should I say close girls).

We had Mr. Dennis Hicks sit in a play some smoking blues guitar for us. Stormy Monday Blues and some good ole Honky Tonk. Thank you Dennis.

05/30/06

St. Charles county get ready for Pocketchange. We will be at Parrot's Sports bar this Friday night June 2nd. 9pm to 1 am. Our first time in that area, so if you have never seen us in St. Louis, come on out and show your support.

www.parrotsbar.net
Come check us out in St. Chuck
270 and Page Ave. Extension
take Page X west to the 3rd exit
/ Jung Station
R on Jung Station, the bar is by Subway
Parrot's 636-939-3553

05/06/06

The Pocketchange dancers were at Spooty’s last Friday night. It is always fun to watch Jeff and Francesca dance. I somehow think they are a little restricted by the size of Spooty’s and I would love to see them on a full size dance floor. They are not really pocketchange dancers, but Tim, that’s not a bad idea!!

04/09/06

Spooty’s was rock’n Friday and Saturday night thanks to you guys. Thanks for you support, it makes it fun to look up and see friends and family there to support us.

Tim was on a roll this weekend; he is becoming the storyteller. He just loves the House Rent blues story line by George Thorogood; yeah he’s pretty funny too!! He was telling stories about Mustang Sally!!! And dance instruction, cheek- to-cheek or_________!!!

Anyway, you never know what is going to happen at a live show, so if have never made it out, come on out and check it out. For those of you that know exactly what I am talking about, keep coming out we love it.

We have a couple new locations coming up pretty soon and I have been asked where they are. One of them just click here for the link, and click on Location www.babyks.net

04/01/06.

We had a great time at the Tower Pub Friday night. We had a guest drummer all the way from Indy; sit in with us, thank you very much Mr. Jeff Lauer!!! You rock!! Great way to start out, playing a ZZ Top song!!! Hard to beat that (get it)!!!

Pocketchange will be at Spooty’s this Friday and Saturday night April 7^th and 8^th.

Thanks again for all your support hope to see you soon

03/17/06

St. Patrick was out in full force Friday night at Spooty’s. We had a great time with a lot of friends and family. There was plenty of green in crowd and onstage. I will add some photos to Spooty’s link shortly.

We are onstage again tonight same place same time. Spooty’s in soulard 9pm.

Come on out if you get a chance.

02/19/06

We had a great time this weekend playing at Spooty’s. Thank you very much for your support. It was a lot of fun having Howard Young on stage Friday night. He can really make that harp sing! Saturday night the crowd was a little sparse, but the ones that were there were pretty wound up. Saturday was called “ A taste of Soulard” and most the restaurants and bars were involved in this promotion. It ended at 5pm, so the ones that were left were doing more drinking that eating, so it made for an interesting evening. Thanks again for your support, we have been in contact with the Great Grizzly club, and hopefully they will have us in to play.

01/28/06

We are pleased to announce that Howard Young will be joining the band as a full time member. Pocketchange is very happy to have a fine talent like Howard.

South St. Louis was rocking at the Tower Pub Friday night.

The new Don Brown Dodge and Chrysler Jeep team was well represented. Susie and Denise led the way with dance, spirits, song, and counting the band in.

We were privileged to have Mr. Darrow Washington sit in with us and play some fine guitar chops. Mr. Howard Young sat in and played some harp. It is very much fun when other musicians come out and support each other.

01/14/2006

Fun weekend at Spooty's. We had great support from all of you this weekend, thank you very much! We played Friday night and Saturday night back to back We had special guests both nights.

We had guitar players, a soldier from Iraq, (Thank you Katie Grieshaber) harp players, dancers of all types, and the pocketchange underwear made some pretty wild appearances.

If anyone took some pics with Katie and Kelley on stage please send them to me. Thank you once again for all your support, you make it a party!!