This morning I decided to ask the first three people I ran into if they knew what today was. The first two replied with today's date, and the third asked me if it was my birthday. For those who do not know, today is, "a day that will live in infamy," Pearl Harbor day.
On December 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor Navel Base in Hawaii was invaded by Japanese forces, killing thousands of American soldiers. It's a shame that this sad event which rallied a nation, receives very little mention in today's media.

If you see a veteran today in your travels, especially one who served in WWII, stop, shake their hand, and say thank you for your sacrifice. We enjoy the freedoms we have in our country, primarily due to the sacrifices these men and women made back then. God Bless them & God Bless America.

I'm back after a 3 week hiatus from the world of Blogs. You'll be seeing multiple postings over the next few days, as many things are happening around town over the next few weeks.

Let me start today by telling you about a fundraising effort that I am involved with, that will take place on Wednesday evening at Revolution Hall. My dear friend, singer, Tommy Love, was diagnosed with cancer this past summer. He's fought a fierce battle over the past few months, which culminated with the removal of one of his kidneys. Tom has been slowly but surely recovering, and will taking a giant step forward at the fundraiser, in his return to the stage.
I've had the pleasure over the past few months, in working with other veteran members of the local music scene to put together this effort to help Tom out with some of the astronomical out of pocket medical expenses he now has on his shoulders. Working with Jim Barrett, Joe Mele, Scott McPherson, Luke MacNamee, and Jared Kingsley , has been a fun experience, as I've known some of them for the better part of 3 decades.

The doors at Revolution Hall open at 7 p.m., with the first act going on stage at 7:30 p.m. The Mysteios open the night, with performances following by, The Savilles, Blue Machine, Super 400, and the outrageous, Blue Hand Luke. A super jam will follow after the last act, with some of the area's top musicians coming in for the jam. Admission is $10, with raffles being held all evening for gift certificates which were donated by local businesses.

So please join us for what is shaping up to be, the most explosive show of the year. Help us show the love, for Tommy Love.

If you love 60's music as much as I do, make your way down to Revolution Hall on Friday evening for a performance by rock legend, Gary US Bonds. The rock icon is a timeless performer, gaping generations of music fans with his major hits, New Orleans, and, Quarter to Three. Besides the music, Revolution Hall is offering a special deal for those who purchase a ticket for the 60's dance party. Once inside you can fill out an entry blank with your name & phone number, and if your slip is picked, you win -- it's that easy.
The winner will receive, round trip air tickets, and hotel accommodations for two in London, England. You will also receive two tickets to see, Gary US Bonds, along with Bill Wyman (bassist for the Rolling Stones) & the Rhythm Kings.
Visit, www.revolutionhall.com for more information.

In case you haven't noticed, Troy has a new hardware store. I visited the city's newest business a few days ago, excited that I no longer had to travel across the river, or to North Greenbush or Brunswick for those occasional Tim the Toolman moments I get. My latest mission is to re-caulk the windows of my Lansingburgh home. I was greeted at the door of the old Stanley building, now renamed, The Conservatory, by Jeff and Deane Pheil, owners of Pheil Hardware. The developers have been friends of mine for 7 years, and they never cease to amaze me with their knack for turning vacant buildings, into something the community can be proud of.
The former department store has been completely renovated, with lofts on the second floor, and retail space at street level. The hardware store has a complete stock of anything you may need in getting your home ready for the winter months. It was actually refreshing walking through the aisle's, checking out the merchandise in this latest jewel of downtown -- and a great break from the Big Box store adventures I've taken over the years. Plus, the prices were extremely competitive with the chain stores.
I was taking notice on how the other customers were doing with their sales people, and was impressed at the knowledge of the products that the employee's were sharing with the prospective buyers. I ask all Troy residents to check out and to support our new hardware store. Before you go Big Box, go Pheil.

On a personal note, I'd like to thank Jeff & Deane Pheil for once again taking a chance on Troy. I wish them all the best, with continued success in the future. For more info, visit, www.pheilhardware.com

About a month ago I saw a sign at Gendron's Pit Stop in North Troy advertising their, Ethenol Free gasoline. Believe me when I tell you, my vehicle is running much better than before after just one month. I've done quite a bit of reading on Ethanol added to your gas, and have come to the conclusion that my 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee is better off without the additive, based solely on its performance since I made the switch. Gendron's gas prices are also cheaper than the majority of stations around the area also.
I also get all of my repair work done there because Gendron's is an honest shop to do business with. Never once in the decade I've been patronizing Gendron's, have they ever tried to do any unnecessary work on any of my vehicles. Nor have I had to return my vehicle because of a screw up on their part. Honest mechanics are hard to find, but you can find this one at the corner of 5th Ave and 125th St. in Lansingburgh.

The third annual 'Chowder Festival' takes place on Sunday, September 20th, beginning at 10 a.m. This event was an instant hit in 2007, drawing thousands of people to sample the many variety of chowders prepared by an array of local restaurants. Last year, a stronger musical presence was added to go along with the ever growing group of contestants. Highlighted with an appearance by country star, Jimmy Wayne -- who just happened to have the number one hit on the country charts at the time!
This year promises to be even bigger, with 20 plus vendors entered to win the annual chowder simmer fest.
Sundays event will feature by local Blue Grass favorites, Twisted String Band at 11 a.m. Seventeen year old country sensation, Renee' Lussier takes over the stage at 12:30 with her fabulous band, Branchwater. At 2:30, the 'Ultimate Country/ Rock Weapon,' Loose Cannon Live' comes back to Troy for the third time this season. The 9 piece, country horn band features the 'Ultimate Country Front Man, Greg Simmons, and is comprised of a veteran professional lineup of fantastic musicians! Loose Cannon was the surprise hit at the recent Ford Country Festival, opening for four straight days for some of the biggest country stars in the world.
Chowder, ice cream, and great music -- sounds like a plan to me!
So come on out on Sunday and visit the Chowder Festival. It's just one more reason to, 'Enjoy Troy.'

Eddie Money returns to the Collar City on Saturday, September 19th to kick off Troy's Quadricentennial celebration. Thousands of people flooded the streets for his performance at the All Star Fan Fest in August of 2008, and were treated to a classic Eddie Money performance. The rock icon is excited about returning to Troy once again, and promises another rockin show to start the Quad off with a bang! Music, food and sunshine have been the norm for Troy's summer events this year, and Saturday promises to offer more of the same.

Entertainment Lineup:
* 2 - 3:15 p.m. -- Johnny Rabb & the Jailhouse Rockers/ With Special Guest, Graham Tichy.
*3:45 - 5 p.m. -- Solid Smoke
*6:00 -8 p.m. -- Eddie Money

Join us for all the fun and music, and come on out and, 'Enjoy Troy.'