10/30/74 Reprised

THIS POST ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN DECEMBER 2007. IT IS RERPRISED IN HONOR OF THE THREE OF US. MAY TOM REST IN PEACE.

Glued to the radio, myself, Tim Lutter and Tom Partridge listened intently as Muhammad Ali painted his masterpiece - Rumble in the Jungle - in the wee hours of the morning in Kinshasa, Zaire. Immediately after Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission Chairman (ya learn somethin' every day here folks!) Zack Clayton counted big George Foreman out the three of us were out the door and up West King Street to celebrate with some Carlsbergs at the Lauzus Hotel.

Tom Partridge, 59

Sad loss in local football officiating community

Tom Partridge, a longtime area football official, died on Saturday just one day after working as an official in Friday's Parkland-Easton game in Orefield. He also worked Thursday's Lehighton-Panther Valley game. According to one of his officiating colleagues, Partridge's tradition was to work as an umpire at the annual Easton-P'burg Thanksgiving game. His son, Joe, was an outstanding running back at Freedom and more recently at East Stroudsburg University.Partridge died of an apparent heart attack. Look for his age in the official obituary, but Tom was believed to be in his upper 50s.From all accounts, he was a good, hard-working, dedicated guy who loved being a part of the local sports scene. Sadly, we take a lot of these people for granted. Officials are a big part of the game, too, and though they may get a gripe here or there, they do a great job for the most part. District 11 officials generally aren't appreciated until they're compared to other districts and states.
Certainly, his loss came as a shock to the tight-knit family of area officials and the extended football family. One night, a guy is up and down the field doing what he loved to do. The next day, he's gone. Partridge will be missed by his officiating family and the local sports community as a whole.

Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Big ...... dead at 59

Northwestern athletic director Jason Zimmerman has sent out a league-wide e-mail suggesting schools observe a moment of silence at their games on Friday night and Saturday afternoon in honor longtime football official Tom Partridge, who died over the weekend at age 59.

"Many of you remember Tom as one of our outstanding football umpires and Tom also worked our league and District 11 Track & Field Meets," Zimmerman wrote. "I would like to recommend that we hold a moment of silence after the National Anthem at our Varsity Football Games this coming weekend. There is no need to respond, but figure this is the least we could do to honor a man who has dedicated much of his life to high school football. The Lehigh Valley Conference will also be participating in this acknowledgement."

Zim's right on target with this recommendation. People like this who form the fabric of scholastic sports should be recognized when they leave us and to almost the day that he died, Partridge was a very important part of the high school football scene throughout the region.

Sometimes names don't resonate as well as faces. When I saw Partridge's picture in today's paper, his loss hit home even more because while I knew the name, I knew the face much better and this was a guy who enjoyed what he was doing and was always enthusiastic, always happy to be doing his job. I've attended several football officials banquets over the years [always held in November right before Thanksgiving], and remember Partridge at those banquets as being a true character, full of life, full of fun.

It has been said often in the past few days, but we'll say it again: What a sad loss. He will be missed.

1000 words

Some good thoughts, memories, vibes and pix

No One ... gets outta heya alive

If I knew I was going to live this long I'da taken better care of myself --- the Mick

Kenny, Mitch gone all too soon ... all of us slowed; a couple of cases of prostate cancer among the 340 brethern; a bad ticker on a rowdy boy; a six month sentence for the immortal weather reporter; and now -

Billy from Philly, dead, throat cancer in Philadelphia
Sam Lugar, hospitalized, latter stage lung cancer

God save the Queen! God bless us all!

Postponement

OK .. I guess I won't have any real fun in 2009. But I can wait.

Fox

Happy Birthday Philip! T Minus One & Kounting

and happy 58th to Dicky!!!

REPRISED FROM LAST YEAR: July 4th! Don't you wish it was 1974-84, pick a year

I wouldn't be feeling guilty about it being 2:00 and not having accomplished anything ... I'd be on the 3rd floor listening to the City wake up and perhaps obscuring those sounds with rock n roll ... a Saturday fourth would have meant there was a party last night ... as it was 2:00 Kenny had probably already scaled my stairs and went out the window to the roof ... certainly by now Marty and/or Woody and/or Sam and/or Sports Sunday and/or Jose and/or Coach or more would be bringing in cases or quarts in to the 340 and drinking and cajoling on the porch.

NOTE:

The King of Pop

The 340 Club, particularly the mighty juke, mourns the loss of Michael Jackson. May he find peace. God bless.

Richie Scarlet Live in Philadelphia Saturday August 8

Richie Scarlet Live in Philadelphia Saturday August 8, 2009 Mark your calendars now!
Richie returns to Philly on Saturday, August 8!

The Whiskey Tango is a full service venue with plenty of room to move around (so help us fill it!), with a great stage, full lights and top quality sound. Perfect for one of Richie's high energy shows!

Fans and friends are coming long distances for this show. That's why we scheduled it for a Saturday night, to give you time to travel! This isn't just a show, it's a reunion! See members of The Seducers including Larry Fisher who also played bass with Richie in "Sebastian Bach and friends". Russ Wilson from the Dennis Dunaway Project! And more!

Mark your calendar now and help us spread the word! Richie Scarlet is back in PA on Saturday, August 8!! But most of all...BE THERE!

Truckin'

In September 1973 Joe Riley and myself, starting at Timmy (and Theresa) Bucher's wedding in Manchester, NH, hitchiked acroos the USA and back. On the night of September 24, 1973 at Pittsburgh's Civic Arena saw the Grateful Dead. If you follow this link - through the genius of AlGore - you can listen th the entire show.

http://www.archive.org/details/gd1973-09-24.aud.GEMS.95729.flac16

Set 1

The Promised Land
Sugaree
Jack Straw
They Love Each Other
Mexicali Blues
Loose Lucy
Looks Like Rain
Row Jimmy
Big River
China Cat Sunflower ->
I Know You Rider
Around And Around

Set 2

Ramble On Rose
El Paso
Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo
Greatest Story Ever Told
China Doll
Truckin' ->
Nobody's Fault But Mine ->
Jam ->
Eyes Of The World * ->
Weather Report Suite Prelude ->
Weather Report Suite Part ->
Let It Grow *
Sugar Magnolia *

*with Martin Fierro & Joe Ellis on horns

Mitch Herr, 57

Mitchell C. Herr, 57, of Lancaster, formerly of the 340 Club, 340 West King Street, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was born in Lancaster on March 28, 1952 and was the son of the late Benjamin M. and Margaret (Burkhart) Herr. Mitch attended McCaskey High School. Through the years Mitch was employed by the Howmet Corp., Old Mill Auto, and McFly’s. He was also a roadie for "The Sharks" and "The Bonnie Parker Band." He enjoyed NASCAR racing, listening to music, trips to the mountains, spending time on his computer, and the company of his friends at Maple Farms.

Mitch is survived by brothers, Larry D. and David F. Herr, and a sister, Barbra, married to Lloyd Mitchell. He was preceded in death by a sister, Judith A. Soders who died last week. He is also survived by 14 340 Club residents and scores of 340 Club members and the usual gang of idiots.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Maple Farm Nursing Center, 604 Oak St., Akron, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Online condolences may be made through www.youngfuneralhome.com

Mitch has already discovered, despite not being necessary, indeed - contrary to 20th century pop culture - in Heaven there is beer ... he has been partying with Kenny & the Lord since last Saturday.

We miss ya Crazee!

Reunion Postponed

The 3rd periodic 340 Club Reunion, scheduled for November 21, has been postponed until 2010. The decision was reached last night by the trustees of the Club.

"I don't think we should go ahead with a 2009 celebration...There doesn't seem to be a lot of interest. I might not be able to attend anyway with the new job. Perhaps 2010 will be better. It does seem like it was only yesterday when we had the 340 reunion. I think one too soon would be a watered down version cutting into attendance on future gala's. - Phil Zangari, May 6, 2009.

To which young Ted Knorr replied: "Okay"

It was over just that suddenly. 2010 is not that far away and, while a great time was had by all who attended, truth was there were only about 40 guests at the June 2008 bash.

"Good Night Kook"

Sad News RE: Billy from Philly

Repost of an important message from Patty Ferrell at 215-295-2271:

Billy Lomax is sick and needs our help and prayers! Billy was diagnosed with throat cancer a few years back, now he's having even greater problems.


Can you help?

A Benefit in his honor to fray medical expenses will be held at...

Philadelphia Police FOP Union Hall
13th and Spring Garden Sts, Philly, PA
Sunday 4/19/09
3pm - 7pm

$25.

00/ advance
$30.

00/ door

Ticket info: call Patty Ferrell at 215-295-2271 evenings before 9:00pm OR contact her at patty.ferrell@yahoo.com

Donation info : Billy Lomax Benefit

#75-00-49-01

Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
7500 Castor Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19152

The Benefit includes BEER and FOOD and a chinese auction. Also, impromptu jams from Dino and the Missles and Johnny Rogers are expected.



AND FRIENDS: Billy is taking this time to heal and while he appreciates your love and concern, PLEASE refrain from disturbing him right now.

Curator's Corner: The Juke Box (reprinted)

THIS POST ORIGINALLY APPEARED ON JANUARY 12, 2008.

On April 3, 1981, Philip & I purchased a juke box from Ford Amusements, 23 Howard Avenue, for $350. The receipt identifies the juke as a Rockola 432. The receipt appears to identify the salesman as Gene Fuchs (NOTE: In Philip's comment he has identified this person as Gene Fulton). The 340 Club Juke Box served well for years at 340 West King, 338 West King, 48 Seymour, and - after I purchased all shares of ownership of the box - at 47 Glen Oak Drive. Sadly, in its retirement years it now finds itself quite limited but still alive. The 432s were made by Rockola in the late 60s so the Juke Box, almost 37 years in my possession is close to 50 years old. The picture below depicts the Juke Box as it currently stands proudly in my living room.



As a moneymaker the Juke Box was shortlived but paid for itself. It debuted at a party on the day we bought it (could have been April 10th but I can't imagine we waited a week). The juke box was set to need coins to play and three plays cost a quarter. That first evening Phil & I netted $12.10 (or 48 quarters and some drunken loose change). The Juke Box was a fixture for 16 months as a pay for play attraction and more as a novelty - though earning the occasional quarter after that - for the remainder of its life. The last recorded net earnings figure was $771.28 as of 10/10/82.



Here are the top grossing Juke Box Days of all-time
1. Fan Appreciation Day $20.40
2. July 3, 1981 $20.17
3. May 23, 1981 $18.10
4. May Day,1981 $16.30
5. Daylight Savings Time, 1982 $15.80
6. Sheryl's Birthday, 1982 $14.70
7. Valentine's Day, 1982 $13.65
8. Reunion, 1982 $12.60
9. Boycott $12.40
10. May 22, 1981 $12.30

NOTES: On Fan Appreciation Day Phil & I invested $35.32 in beer and/or foodstuff from Juke Box profits; as it turned out - after that nights revenues - it was a $14.92 net investment. F.A.D. held the Saturday record. The July 3rd nite was the Friday record. The Sunday record was $11.15 for a party known as Masada. It coincided with the debut of an ABC TV mini-series about the siege of Masada. Apparently it was self-explanatory and hearing the sound was not too important. To put some of these numbers in perspective and to illustrate how many people came in and out of the 340 on a party nite - the $20.40 found in the Juke after the F.A.D. represented 81 quarters or 243 songs at 3 minutes per song it equates to 12 hours and 9 minutes. Now, assuming 8 hours of sleep (generous I know) leaves 16 waking hours. On that day, the Juke Box was playing a song for 76.5% of all possible waking hours. Nuff ced!!!

THAT POST APPEARED LAST JANUARY AND IS REPOSTED TODAY BECAUSE TONIGHT - March 29, 2009 - IS THE FIRST NIGHT SINCE APRIL 3, 1981 IN MY HOUSE WITHOUT THE JUKE BOX. THE UNDERTAKER PICKED UP THE FAITHFUL FRIEND, THE STURDY SHELTER, ABOUT THREE HOURS AGO. IT DIED IN ITS SLEEP THE OTHER DAY. THE JUKE BOX DEPARTED MY HOUSE STILL HOLDING THE PICTURES OF THE BONNIE PARKER BAND AND THE 340 CLUB PICNIC. I HOPE TO GET THEM BACK AFTER THE AUTOPSY. I ALSO HOPE TO REPLACE THE JUKE BOX SOON.

RIP MY FRIEND. GOD BLESS THE 340! GOD BLESS THE ROCKOLA!

Bonnie & Richie

Sharks @ Chameleon Club Easter Saturday, April 12th

April 12th is a big night! Tiger will be seeking another Master's title ... HBO has a solid fight card which not includes live bouts but the debut of their Pacheao-Hatton preview series and the premiere of HBO's new documentary on the Thrilla in Manilla. It is also the 1st full weekend of the 2009 baseball season and -

THE SHARKS are doing a show at Lancaster's Chameleon Club ... doors open at 8:00 pm

Bad to the Bone, Ba Ba Ba Ba Baad

I went to see George last night ... first time in 28 years ... last time was JFK with the Stones and Foreigner just before ol' George did 50 shows, in 50 nights, in 50 states ... just about as cool a trick as has been done in rock annuals ... cept for maybe this one ... he was playing a club in D.C. across the street from another joint when, in the middle of "Madison Blues" (a signature song for both GT and DD and The Nighthawks who happened to be playing at the other spot) he left the stage and carrying his guitar walked across the street to the other club ... in the middle of street he exchanged guitars with the Nighthawk's Jimmy Thackery and the two of them continued their journey's to each other's venues ... with George joining the Nighthawks to comple the blazing blues tune and Thacker doing the same with the Destroyers ... now that is rock n' roll in the key of E!!! The below revue was written by DAVID MALACHOWSKI as a special to the Albany Times Union reviewing a show at The Egg that took place on March 12th. In the interim George played Atlantic City and plays Wilmington tonight, March 23rd. If I was retired I'd be at tonight's show. Alas, back to work tomorrow.

Blues rocker George Thorogood and his Delaware Destroyers came to Harrisburg’s Forum last night before 2200 hard rock, baby boomers (NOTE: anything in italics was edited or written by me) and threw a rock and roll party that proved he’s still bad to the bone.

The opening act was a Memphis based songwriter named Tom Hambridge who proved very competent in his just right six song stint. Then after a brief intermission, the stage darkened and the entire Barry McGuire Eve of Destruction played to a light show. P.J. Sloan’s timeless lyrics evoke 2009 just as much as 1967. When the song ended GT and DD strolled unto the stage and began a rollicking romp through blues infused and just as timeless rock riffs.

Carrying the torch for blues and old time rock for decades now, the nearing 60 guitar slinger showed no visible signs of wear as he played nearly two hours.
Thorogood and his band; drummer Jeff Simon, bassist Billy Blough, guitarist Jim Suhler and saxman Buddy Leach, were dressed head to toe in black and came out in blinding white light, an effect that recalled the extraterrestrials coming off of the mothership in the movie “ET.”

Swinging his black Gibson guitar around like a weapon, Thorogood immediately had the restless, rowdy sold-out crowd in the palm of his hands with hard hitting gems like the thunderous “Who Do You Love,” pounding “Night Time Is The Right Time” and crowd pleaser “I Drink Alone.”

Thorogood then ripped through blistering versions of “One Bourbon, One Scotch and One Beer” and “Cocaine Blues” as the already ramped up crowd went completely nuts. There wasn’t a whole lot of variation or variety here, but none was called for. The black clad bunch often stood in line and occasionally turned in unison, and the choreography, posing and light cues often seemed too slick, and at times at odds with, well, the blues.

“How about something sophisticated?” Thorogood queried before launching into the simplistic but effective “Get A Haircut,” powered by a snarling guitar. This all led to the big ba ba ba ba “Bad To The Bone,” as some searing slide work powered his signature song.

He then took it up a level with a primitive ride through Hank Williams’ “Move It On Over,” a song he’s been doing for 30 years. At this point, he’s got it down.

For an unexpected second encore, Thorogood came out sans guitar for innuendo laden “Love Doctor.” The gyrating house got on their feet, Thorogood held hands with a lady in the front row, and you had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn’t Saturday night.

The guitar and slide bar came back one more time for “Madison Blues” and after a lengthy jam, Thorogood collapsed on the floor.

His band mates then surrounded him, and pulled him back up to his feet, ala James Brown, as he triumphantly waved good night, and sent the satisfied crowd home as the Star Spangled Banner played. The bookending of the Eve of Destruction and Star Spangled Banner to bracket the show served, along with George’s steadfast fortitude, to show that all is not yet lost in this post-1984 world we live in.

Buddy Guy is here April 16th ... tough call Harrisburg Senators 2009 opener or the old bluesman.

Reporting In

Thank all of you who helped make my 58th birthday memorable.

This year’s walk had two underlining currents that shaped it – the recent Sandy Vito incident and the APBA Baseball Game that I played throughout the day. Those two currents combined, I must admit, age and health (sugar) concerns served – from the top of the mornin’ – to keep me on a relatively straight and narrow path. The planned 17 bar, 24 beer crawl never really got off the ground and the ultimate 11 bar, 17 beer, result was surprisingly satisfying, refreshing and surely less painful in the morning. Also, I didn’t wander away from you, my friends; or get lost, or lose items, or get in any trouble. That meant that I woke up with a clear conscience and no haunting memories that are never verified or refuted.

This year’s crawl was so relatively sober yet still a great time with good people that my early (after all, St. Patty’s Day 2010 is only 364 days away) planning targets a similar 12/18 pace. I hope to see all of you then.

38th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
March 17, 2009 Harrisburg, PA
Garrason’s (Beverly) 2
The Tap Room (Calobe, Lionel, Gary) 1
Wanda’s (Calobe, Lionel) 2
Shady McGrady’s (Brian, Gary) 1
Firehouse (Suzy, Dave, Gary) 1
Zembies (Dave, Gary, Shawn) 1
Spice (Dave, Gary, Shawn) 1
The Pep Grille (Schen & Jim, Keith & Lou) 3
Scott’s (Keith & Lou, and Melanie?) 1
St. Moritz (James) 2
Rookies (James, Elaine) 2
Safe at Home 0.124% versus the planned 0.273%!

As for the ballgame, Yahweh’s Yankees (11-10) defeated the Paradise Pythians (6-15) by a 7-1 score. Christy Mathewson was star of the game with a solid 9 inning performance permitting only an Oscar Charleston home run. Other stars were Jud Wilson who went 3 for 5, with two doubles, a homer, three runs scored and three knocked in, and Jimmy Collins, 2 for 4, two runs and a pair of doubles. .