2011
The year in review....like earlier post mention we played all the Baker St's, Bistro Al Vino, L'Hostaria (again for New Years) The Hoffbrau etc. It was a good year for Fredi & The Soul Shakers.
05.09.2011...Here's a little update...We have been busy since New Years. But let me say a bit about New Years. We played in Aspen Colorado at L'Hostaria. This was one of the best, if not the best, New Years events we've ever played. Tizi was the best host one could ask for...We also started to play all the Baker St clubs in the Colorado area and they are a blast!!! If you've never been to one you should and the next time we're at one come check it out you'll love it. We're back up the hill again. This time to Fitsgeralds. I do like playing casions.
The Star Dust is a new venue for us. It's at 52nd & Marshall in Wheatridge, CO. Yet another fun club you need to check out. We've been spending a alot of time with Al over at Bistro Al Vino. Like I said in another post, this place ROCKS.
2010
09.25.10...Bistro Al Vino...For those of you who haven't discovered this jewel of a Bistro (night club) you MUST. Fredi and the boys played there Saturday night & what a night it was. Not only is the food first rate the staff and patrons are the friendliest we've seen in YEARS. A million thanks' to Al (owner) Adam, Rodney and the whole staff for making us and all the people who come there feel like we've known you all for years!
08.14.10...Hiccups...Once again a fun time at one of Denver's great party bars! As I've said many times before the sound with Wolfgang at the controls is just 1st rate. We had a BIG surprise for all the folks on Saturday night...Emily Abitbol (yes that's Rick daughter) sang a few numbers with The Soul Shakers and when she was done the place went wild. This girl can SING!!!
07.18.10...63rd Buffalo BBQ, Grand Lake,CO...What a beautiful place to party!!!! Great bands playing, people enjoying the event, the food and when Fredi hit the stage...it became a street party! to beat all. Many thanks to Dan (Event Director) Steve from Mixed Emotion Sound & Lights and his wonderful crew and the town of Grand Lake!
07.05.10...Jazz@Jacks...Fredi & The Soul Shakers had a very fine time at Jazz@Jacks. Let me say right off the bat, Jacks has the BEST sound in town. Andy the sound tech is just plain first rate! Sandra (owner & manager) & the entire staff were just a pleasure to deal with. If you haven't been to Jacks...check it out, you'll love.
06.17.10...Summer must be here if Fredi & The Soul Shakers are playing The Rock Bottom again. We kicked off the summer this past Thursday with a rousing show at the Rock Bottom (Park Meadows) as always Great food, the BEST beer and load of great fans & friends. Special hello's to: Elke, Deb, Tina, Eric & his kids.
06.12.2010...Club Level...Maybe I keep going on about this but Fredi is just ROCKIN' the house with the new material we've been doing. If you missed us this week at Club Level...well you missed out on one great weekend with Fredi & The Soul Shakers. Prop's to Frank the owner & Brad on sound!
05.23.10...Sweetwater...WOW, what can I say other than it was a great time and full of surprises. If you haven't been to Sweetwater (100th & Wadsworth) give it a try. Big Daddy is cooking up a storm and Chappy and his staff make everyone feel welcome. Just like the Toby Keith song 'I Love This Bar'...this is THAT bar!...Max
Hello All! I promise I wasn't
ignoring you, my computer caught the crud-better it than me, right? Anyway,
it's working again, yes we did seriously ROCK Sweetwater Friday and
Saturday! Thank YOU so much for coming out and partying! Coming in June is
Club Level and more Sweetwater. Don't worry, there is more coming..sta...y
tuned!
Smooches,
Fredi
01. thru 05. 2010....Just what have we been doing? RE-GROOVING!!! We've played the Hoffbrau and Hiccups and just killed'em. Fred was HOT...HOT!!! The new material we've worked up was 'scary'...I haven't seen Fred bring down the House like that since the 'Church' days.
12.27 thru New Years...What a great time we had in Edwards, Co. We played The Cordiaria Holiday Party and Fredi rocked the house. (what else would you expect?)
2009
08.28.09...Great News from THE HOFFBRAU.
As many Fredi Fans know The Hoffbrau is one of our ALL TIME favorite places to play & party.
Well Ken ,the owner of the Hoffbrau, has informed me that starting Monday they will begin a major expansion of the night club. The expansion will feature a new & improved stage, lights, sound, dance floor, a satellite bar, new men's & ladies rooms, office space and seating. THE PARTY IS ON AT THE HOFFRAU!!! I'll have more to post on this subject in the next few days....stay tuned. Hoffbrau Colorado,7699 West 88th Avenue. Westminster, CO. - 80005...303.422.7755
08.23.09...Club Level
This past weekend we played a new club for us and for the Denver metro area, Club Level on 120th & Tejon.
I have to say this is one of the best clubs we've played in years. Great owners (John & Frank) wonderful staff, fantastic sound (thanks Brad) and a 'vibe' in the room that makes it such an outstanding place to play, party and meet friends.
For all you Fredi fans (and fans of live music) this is THE club for the north metro area. Next time we're there I'll put out a special email to let everyone know.
On Thursday we were at The Rock Bottom ,at Park Meadows, for our last RockBottom show of the summer and yes it was a 'hoot'. For those of you who have been there you know the Beer and Food are first class and the staff is the best. For those of you who haven't been there...well you just need to take yourself down there and experience the BEST BEER you can get. Rick, our Sax player, is the head Brewer there. As you all know Rick is a GREAT Sax player and an equally Great Brewer. Check it out, you'll love it....Love, Max
04.05.09...guess it's been awhile
Just a few thoughts on the past few months. We have been working real hard at some new material and making the show a bit more fun. Fredi in is in rare form. I've not seen her this excited in years. It goes to show that a band is more about chemistry than any thing else. We have a photo shoot tonight. Mr Velvet will finely get the Stafansky treatment.
I'll post the pic's latter tonight....Love, Max
2008
07.04.08...A little update.
It seems awhile since this has been updated. So I think I shall...
A good deal has been happening with Fredi & The Soul Shakers since the last post in Dec. 2007. We had Brian Olmsted join us on Bass, at the first of the year. I must say the best addition on Bass since the founding of the Band.
A few months later our long time Drummer and friend, Rod Martin (Mr. Velvet) rejoined the group. I can't express enough how wonderful it is having Rod back & Brian on Bass. For those of you who have know Fredi & The Soul Shakers or The Rhythm House for that matter, I believe you'll find us playing even better than the hay day's of The Church. As a matter of fact, except for Brian, this IS the Band that played the best years of the Church!
Since you are here at the web site you may have gone to the "Schedule" page. If you did, or do, you'll see that we've expanded the number of venues we play. There's new pictures, new songs new video...new spirit.
a personal note...
Over the years changes have been made with Fredi & The Soul Shakers and though all seemed to look good "on paper"
by enlarge, none of them ever worked out (for one reason or another) So I have learned, the hard way, to follow your heart ...not your wallet, not what other people think or say but to believe in who & what you are...because you can never be anything other than ...you. Besides it makes you much happier. (thank you Homer Brown)
There are a few "thank you's" that need to be said. Michael Tolerico at Electric Events for sticking with us through very tough times and being a good friend. Thank you Michael!
Patrick at Patrick's Night Club. You have seen us (and me) through some of the best & worst times, and you know what I mean, you've had every right to (fill in the blank) but you didn't. So my friend, I owe no greater musical debt in this town than I do to you. God Bless you and Thank you very much Patrick!
Fredi, Rick, Rod, Brian & Joe...Thank you so very much!
And a BIG thank you to all the Fredi Fans for your support & Love.
One last thing...as it's July 4th...HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!
Love...Max
2007
12.29.07...Well hello everyone!
I apologize for not blogging sooner. We are coming to the close of yet another year, a very difficult year for so many of us. I want to personally thank you for being a part of my life and hope that you will continue to do so next year. We have had to say goodbye to so many loved ones this year, and we're still here! Take it as a sign, that you are here for a reason. Learn from your losses, live through it all, and love as hard as you can, and as much as you can. Don't look for blame or find fault in consequences-we all have the right to choose, and exercise it freely!
We had a fundraiser at the Brickhouse for our friend Winston Ford. It was a heck of a bash! Fredi & The Soul Shakers, Phat Daddy, One on One, Chase N the Dream, Soul School, Sheryl Renee, Hazel Miller, and Funkiphino were some of the groups who participated. We thank Mike and Richard for inviting us to the party! Speaking of Richard...we created a wonderful drink together...
If you dare to spend new year's eve with me, c'mon down to Hiccups #3! Party On!
We are looking forward to a blessed and prosperous New Year. All the best to you and yours!
10.24.07...Hello All!
It has been a minute since I last blogged, unfortunately, too many good people have died in my life since then. I sincerely miss my dear friend (brother), Winston Ford. I was at his funeral where we all got to sing back up for Philip Bailey. On Sunday, we had a Home going Jam Session Fundraiser for his grandchildren. If you weren't there, you missed the biggest PARTY this side of the Mississippi!
It was held at Kiva restaurant in Denver, and produced by the brand spanking new talent and production agency, Black Swan Talent and Productions! Two local divas, Sheryl Renee and Hazel Miller started this new Denver phenomenon, that I expect will take flight and soar! Congrats, Divas!
I think just about every local musician was in da house on Sunday! Phat Daddy, Chase, Soul School, Dianne Reeves, Lannie Garrett, Erica Brown, Louie Chavez (oh my gosh dreamy), Ron Ivory, Thomas "T-Blue" Ayers, Kevin Dawkins, Thomas, "TJ" Jefferson, Isaac Points (Jakarta), Joslyn Keel-Winston's FAVORITE niece and way too many more to name! I had the dream of a lifetime come true, the two Fredi/Freddi's on stage at the same time! Yes, Freddi and I were sangin Shaky Ground together! I told him that everybody thought I was him, and he said everybody thought he was me! Now y'all know which is which...right...
There were clubs represented there too, Patrick's and Brickhouse just to name a couple. Speaking of Patrick's, we will be there Saturday night for the Halloween Party of the Century! Can you say, "Costume contest?" Oh yeah we are dressing for the occasion! Cash prizes will be awarded! Speaking of the Brickhouse, we'll be doing a benefit for the Winston Ford Family on December 2, I'll keep ya posted!
Make sure you tune in to Phat Daddy's site to see the many benefits coming up for Winston's family as well.
See you in costume, Saturday night ONLY at Patrick's!
Love ya' Later!
smoochesFredi
10.08.07...Hi y'all!
I know it's been a minute, but I've been recuperating from surgery-no, not that kind...and yes, Fredi is still the guy with the big...anyway, before I went "under the knife," we partied in Hudson, CO at The End of the Trail! Lisa sure knows how to throw a party! Many thanks to the bartender extraordinaire, Willie. I must say though, be very careful of the birds in the trees, they have PERFECT aim!...
On to Hiccups 1 for some birthday fun! Yes, It was my sister Tina and Jennifer's birthdays late last month! We rocked 'em hard and long (like they should be rocked!) As always it is great to see so many friends and family out with us! Hiccups has a number 3 now! It's where the old Brewski's/Bottlecaps was, and it looks fantastic! We'll be there on the 19th and 20th- hope you can show!
On this past "recovery" weekend for me, I was seen recuperating in a couple of different places..it all started with Happy Hour at the Palm Tree where I went to see my Brubbie (Sheldon Johnson) playing with the band called "Reality" (every Friday 6ish-8:30ish). Then it was on to Herman's and Buckner Funken! Can I just say Wow! Litha and Deb have been trying to get me there forever, boy am I glad I went! I met the guys and we had a wonderful time! I met some new friends and partied with some old friends! After getting my Funken on, I stayed for Soul School! Needless to say, I got home about 1:30ish Saturday morning... It was good to see Tony Exum-super saxman, Wendell, Drusel and the rest of the crew! I also saw Scott Rich yet another great bass player!
That was more than a mouthful if I must say so myself! Well, hopefully I'll see you at Hiccups 3 in a couple weeks!
Love ya' Later!smoochesFredi
09.04.07...Hey Y'all!
Wow what a wonderful weekend at Patrick's! The band was super spectacular and we thoroughly enjoyed Raul Garza on congas and percussion! It was terrific seeing so many faces of friends-I didn't know I had that many! Oh but I must mention my favorite fellas Billy and Samuel-every time I am at Patrick's they are there to see me, and on both nights to boot! They make me feel so special! It's always a great pleasure to be served by Cindy and Peggy! It was really good to see Cindy's hubby(Mike) here too! Now where was Gail...rumor has it that her man was in town...well we all know how that story can go...
Special thanks to my friends (and coworkers) from APS-Aurora Public Schools, Havana Learning Center, Quest Diagnostics, and Denver city workers! We enjoyed Twaneka's celebrating life gathering too! Oh my how the Tuaca flowed, and the Patron, and the whiskey, and.......I'd better stop naming names, I always end up in trouble somehow!
We hope you are saving your money for next week at the Isle of Capri, seems a good spell of luck is in the joint when we're there...I still can't believe that guy hit dollar poker for five grand!, our tips were really good that night!
See ya' up the hill...
Love ya' Later!smoochesFredi
08.18.07...Hey Y'all!
Had a heck of a weekend at the Cool River Café! We partied with our great sound man, Junior, and had mucho fun with DJ G. Funk. The dance floor was rarely empty at any given time. I think we all made a good team!
Last weekend Max and I went to check out one of our dearest local Divas, Jennifer Lane at Elway's in Cherry Creek. Boy did we have a blast! Jen and I had fun singing together, I picked up her brand spankin new cd, Jennifer Lane In A Magazine, which of course is done in pure Jen style! (man, I sure do love that sweet, long cool drink'a water!!) We partied so hard, that we closed the place down! I was, literally, the last one out the door-needless to say, it was all Max's fault...and my good friend Remy...(Max..."it was the Remy...I'm innocent and that's my story & I'm stickin' to it")
I am sooo looking forward to the Rock Bottom Brewery this Thursday! I believe we are close to the last Partio there. (that would be patio party in a word). Hope you and the fam can come down, be sure to bring the umbrellas...just in case...
Love ya' Later!smoochesFredi
07.30.07...Hey Y'all!
How was your weekend? Mine was jam-packed with fun! On Thursday, we had a spectacular time at The Rock Bottom Brewery! I came in sportin' a new "do" and had just as much fun as it looked like I was having! Oh my gosh, the food is soooo wonderful there! If you didn't make it there by today, then you missed the most succulent backyard t-bone you have ever laid lips on! And the banana split pound cake was absolutely to die for! We always thank our own Rick Abitbol for the hookup-seeing as how he is the Brewmaster there. There's always a great brew or few on tap and a great waitstaff as well. Great to see Elke and her friends out for a fun time. (Elke is Rick's MOM)
Friday night, I recouped from Thursday, and hung out at home with a movie.
Saturday, the fun began around 4:00 P.M. We did an annual Pool Party in Parker, CO! I must say I was spotted in the pool with Craig rather early on in the evening...hmmm was that before or after the Jell-O shot(ssss)...then there was that incident where Bob got the wrong drink out of my shirt...how big was that bottle again-oh yeah, 1/2 gallon...(or maybe just 2 quarts lol :-}) Iris and Dean throw a helluva party! Not-to-mention it was Dean's birthday! Susan was ever the attentive one and Deb brought goodies to obtain instant orgasms! (Of which I had several...) Litha and Ted hung out and partied til the end! I must say, that the band was truly ROCKIN'!!! Our newest addition of Edgar Garza on drums has made me a happy kitten! I do believe I haven't purred this well in a while...
On Sunday, I checked out Stretch
Nine at City Park Jazz, which by-the-way was back at the
Pavilions. Michael C. was singin' his heart out-as usual- and my
brubbie, Sheldon Johnson,
TOTALLY rocked the park with his rendition
of "This is How We Do It". Sugar Bear and Phillip Jordan were in
the band as well, and our friend Skippy-D was kickin the beat on
drums! I had a wonderful time and saw many, many friends! My
son, Eric, his wife Brittanni, and children Tracey and Josiah
had a pretty good time too! I partied with my sister Tina, Arla,
Jeremiah, Sonsie and John. All-in-all (hey isn't that Earth ,
Wind, and Fire?) we had super big fun! If you get a chance, come
check us out this weekend Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Q's.
See ya soon!...SmoochesFredi
07.16.07...New Blog from Fredi (watch for the Fredi page coming soon)
Hi everybody!
I had a really fun weekend! We partied-I mean worked- at the Isle of Capri Friday and Saturday night, where two lucky winners won 2007 Mini Coopers!
Sunday I made my way to the Black Arts Festival and City Park Jazz. I saw so many people I know! One of the best club owners in the world- Regas was there! I got to sit in with Sheryl Renee-who is by far one of the top Divas in the business. Harold and Linda Lee were there, along with Jennifer Lane, Winston Ford, Skip Lynch, Bea Harris (Urban Spectrum) African Storyteller Opalanga Pugh (one of my faves) Yvonne Brown, Coco Brown, Vickilyn Reynolds...need I say more? It was a serious party up in that camp!
I hadn't had quite enough yet, so I decided to go to one of the newest and coolest bars in town, Scruffy Murphy's. It's on 20th and Larimer, and yes it's a wonderful Irish Pub! I met 6 new guys!!! We drank and had excellent conversation all night long. Tim the bartender and I got into some really kinky drinks....I will only admit to knowing the whereabouts of only one Dirty Girl Scout...
07.14.07...Isle of Capri...What can I say?...this is one of our favorite places to play. EVERYONE has a good time when they WIN. (and Erika & the staff are the BEST)
07.07.07...Patrick's...What a REAL great weekend! CC got married, Peggy went on vacation to W. Virginia & Fredi & The Soul Shakers ROCKED THE HOUSE! CONGRATULATIONS to EVERYONE!!!!! (see pic's on the pictures page)
06.21.2007...Eagle, CO. USA...Fredi & The Soul Shakers kicked off the "Showdown Town" for the Vail Valley Foundation in Eagle CO on Wednesday and what a grand time was had by all! First of all we need to thank Andrea from Resort Events Inc. without her nothing happens. A very together Lady (real nice to). Andy, Warren & Todd on sound and the wonderful people of Eagle CO. There are a few new video clips on the Music page and a pic of Andrea & Max on the Picture page.
06.09.2007...Isle of Capri Plus...First let's mention a few things here. The Rock Bottom Brewery in Park Meadows. Kicking up another notch! If you haven't been to the Rock Bottom at Park Meadows you NEED to! Great Food & Beer. Rick (our fantastic Sax player) is the Brew Master there and need I say more about the top flight beer he brews? I think not. One taste and you'll be back for more & more...Thursday Happy Hour they have live music and yes Fredi & the Boys kick it once a month thru the summer. (check the Schedule for dates). The Isle of Capri is such a GAS. You talk about fun...! Jewell's, Shawn, Dave, Zack, Erika and Christen you guys are the BOMB. Thanks from all of us for making it a real fun gig. Shouts out to David, Jaqua, Blanca & Fabien, Eddy from Quest, Donnie & His new family and if I missed anyone...so sorry.
05.19.2007...Patrick's...Well what can you say about this weekend? So many great people came out to see Fredi & The Boys. Hillary, Jaqua, Donnie (from our days @ The Church) & his future wife, Deb Z, Litha, Tim Wolf, Terry, April, Loretta, Val & Scott, Sandy & Derrick, Mary (if I left anyone out I am so sorry) By the the way there was MUCH Dancing going on. (on & off the stage) What a FUN time!
05.06.2007...Brewski's and other NEWS...Welcome the newest member of Fredi & the Soul Shakers, Sam Faggan on drums. Sam joined the group a few weeks ago and had his debut at Brewski's. Great Job Sam!
A SPECIAL shout out to Lynette & Lenny at Brewski's for making a tough situation work out so well. Lynette is the owner and Lenny the manager and you can't ask for better people then those two! By the way Brewski's has a GREAT sound man, Jr. Thanks for the wonderful sound and intelligent conversation late on a rainy Saturday night.
Shout out to Blanca & Fabien it is all ways wonderful to see you both! Tina & Deb :) Last but not lest Michael from Electric Events stopped by and that is all ways a pleasure as well.
04.11.2007...Started work on our CD....Let the work begin. With a little luck and a lot of hard work we hope to have our recording done by the end of the month. Then off to the presser.
04.04.2007...Isle of Capri...What fun to be back a The Isle. Fredi was in fantastic form! Good to see Zack & Caleb (from Kitts) Erica, thanks for dinner. You're the best.
03.11.2007...Deb's Birthday Party...What a bash! It was party central at Deb Z's birthday party. Tons of delicious food, loads of wonderful people. It was great to meet Kenny, late of Bump City Groove, and his very charming wife Heather. Yes, the neighbors were over and dancing their....off as well. Happy Birthday Deb Z.
03.4.2007...Patrick's. If you weren't there you miss one of the best weekends in a long time! Fredi's Birthday, old friends (Jeanne, Nancy, Jim, Blanca & Fabian) and new friends and fans as well. THE HOUSE WAS ROCKIN! As always Bruce (one of the best sound men in Denver.) Gail, Cindy & Peggy from Patrick's were just wonderful.
02.10.2007...The NEW Webcam. Here's something new we've added to the website a webcam. Right now there's not much to look at as a matter of fact while I tweak it, my kitchen is about all there is to see. However I have plans...Wednesday is our rehearsal night so I'll be doing some major testing over the next few weeks. The first week in March we'll be at Patrick's and I'll try to broadcast a set from there. This could be FUN....stay tuned.
01.21.2007...HICCUPS 1
What a fun time at Hiccups 1. Deanna & friends were out dancing and it was good to see them!. All the folks from Budweiser were having a grand old time and Dale (the owner) was the best host one could ask for. If you haven't been to Hiccups 1 or 2 you really need too, it's so much fun you'll be coming back for more..and more.
01.14.2007...BIG NEWS--> Joe January is back on Keys!!!
Joe January our Keyboard player for all the years at The Church is back playing with us and we couldn't be more happy. Joe started playing again with us at The Brick House(58th & Ralston Rd) this past weekend and the crowd was groovin' to the REAL sounds of Fredi & The Soul Shakers. Welcome back Joe.
2006
12.31.2006...Happy New Year 2007. What a fantastic weekend at Kitt's in the Isle of Capri. Erica, Tom, Caleb, Vinnie, Regan and all the staff were marvelous to work with. We hope to see them this summer when music comes back to Kitt's. This was one of the best New Years we've had in a good long time. Thanks Everyone!!!
12.23.2006...Christmas at Patrick's...In spite of the weather a good time was had by all. Friday Greg Ortega shot video for our up coming promo video and our friend Patrick (not that Patrick) and his wife Amy came & celebrated his birthday with us. Nice to see Elke & all the Abitbol's out for a little Christmas cheer.
12.11.2006...We just finished 3 nights at Q's and had the best time we've ever had at this fine Denver night club. The staff, Shaun & Jimmy, were friendly and hospitable as can be. It was great to see Rod (Mr. Velvet) & Tammy Martin , Jeanie & Cerise.
The Band ROCKED...every night! Some new material and Fredi with her new wireless mic made for some of the Hottest music this band has ever made.
12.02.2006...Our longtime friend and sound man, Don Kanoza was in town to do sound for us at the Simpson Housing Group Holiday Party and yes Simpson KNOWS how to PARTY! BIG shout out to Jennifer, Christine, Sharon and ALL the folks there. Great job again this year!
For those of you who remember the 'days' at The Church, you'll remember the fantastic sound and yes Don still has it, making it sound fat and keeping them dancing! Great job Donnie!!!!
11.17.2006...Sheldon Johnson (Vocals & Keys) temporally joins Fredi & The Shakers. We played Hiccups II and 2 Great Nights.