TOMORROW, I REACH a milestone in my life as I become a septuagenarian — 70 years young.
I have many friends who share Nov. 18 birthdays, but the one who stands out is from my childhood: Mickey Mouse.
As a matter of fact, I was named after Mickey — about 13 years after.
If I had known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.
Seriously, I would like to thank the musicians, venues and fans for making this late-in-life writing career a joy.
I’ve got my DD (designated driver), and that’s Willie Nelson, so maybe we’ll see you out there tomorrow night?
(Actually, Willie is inviting all musicians, friends and fans to join him in a big party for John at Castaways starting at 6 p.m. There’ll be food and cake, too. Come on down, and let’s wish John a big happy 70th birthday.)
Port Angeles
■ Tonight at Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive, come on down for Jerry’s Country Jam from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. If country’s your style, come and dance or play plugged or unplugged.
On Friday, come back from 8 p.m. to midnight for some more country jamming with Jerry and the gang.
■ On Saturday at Wine on the Waterfront at The Landing mall at 115 Railroad Ave., Locos Only, with siblings Kevin Lee Magner and Mary Magner, with Scott Bradley deliver a night of blues, gospel, soul and country at 8 p.m. $3 cover.
■ On Friday at the R Bar, 132 E. Front St., local rock band DRiP is having a CD release party from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
■ On Friday, Les Wamboldt and Olde Tyme Country perform at the Fairmount Restaurant, 1127 W. U.S. Highway 101, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, join Christina Gross and the Sunday Jam from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Amateurs welcome.
On Tuesday, Dave and Rosalie Secord and the Luck of the Draw Band play old-time music with guests Rusty and Duke for an old-fashioned good ol’ time from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
■ On Sunday at the Junction Roadhouse, junction of U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 112 five miles west of Port Angeles, Craig Dills hosts the Blues Jam from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Tuesday, Ches Ferguson stops by for some picking and grinning at 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, Jason Mogi and Paul Stehr-Green are joined by Kim Trenerry for an eclectic mix of music gleaned from Deadwood Revival, SuperTrees, Tongue and Groove, Grateful Dead tunes and more at 7:30 p.m.
■ At the Blackbird Coffeehouse, Eighth and Peabody streets, Witherow and Gibson entertain Friday at 7 p.m. This is for all ages. No cover.
■ Every Tuesday evening at the Port Angeles Senior Center, Seventh and Peabody streets, the Port Angeles Senior Swingers present Wally and the Boys playing ballroom dance favorites for the dancing pleasure of all adults 45 years and older from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $5 cover, first-timers free.
■ On Wednesday at Dupuis Restaurant, 256861 U.S. Highway 101, Bob and Dave play blues with a brew and barbecue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sequim and Blyn
■ Fret Noir brings guitars and vocals to the stage Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Oasis Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St.
On Saturday, venerable rock ‘n’ roll band Chantilly Lace will take you from the ’50s to the ’80s and back again, stopping off at the best dance tunes of the ’60s and ’70s with songs by Cash, Presley, Darin, Orbison, the Four Seasons and a host of other favorites at 8 p.m.
On Wednesday, enjoy Final Approach for some boomer music at 5:30 p.m.
■ At The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave., Kelly Thomas and Victor Reventlow host the very popular and rousing open mic Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
■ On Friday at Stymie’s Bar & Grill at Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road, the Discovery Bay Pirates perform Irish pub music, folk songs and sea shanties from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ On Friday at Club Seven Lounge at 7 Cedars Casino, Blyn, 4 More, fronted by Two Hot Girls, play all the newer dance hits from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Sunday, there is a special tribute to Van Halen by Fan Halen from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 at the door.
On Monday, join Barry Burnett and world-class drummer Tom Svornich for We Be Jammin’, so bring your ax or tickled tonsils and join the fun from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
■ The Old Sidekicks will perform its country and bluegrass stylings at Three Crabs Restaurant, 11 3 Crabs Road, on Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Port Townsend
■ Tonight at The Upstage, 923 Washington St., a tribute to John Lennon is an Upstage Live Music Fundraiser. Drew Harrison has a passionate, honest and intense style that jibes with Lennon. Drew’s “In the Spirit of Lennon” shows have received much praise. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and has a $15 cover — or $5 for those age 25 and younger.
On Friday, Curtis Salgado and his band grace The Upstage at 8 p.m.; tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
On Saturday, Northwest blues giant Randy Oxford Band with Jada Ami will deliver down-and-dirty blues as well as gospel at 8 p.m. $12 cover.
On Sunday, Rex Rice’s Penultimate Sunday Jazz Jam draws jazz artists from across Puget Sound at 6 p.m.; $5 cover.
On Wednesday, Daniel Mackie and friends perform at 7:30 p.m. $5 voluntary cover.
Phone 360-385-2216 for reservations.
■ On Saturday at Castle Key, Seventh and Sheridan streets, La Bahza performs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $8 cover.
■ On Friday at the Undertown, 211 Taylor St., Combo Choro presents a musical taste of Brazil at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, Ash Devine plays a bluesy, folksy fusion from 8 p.m.
■ Steve Grandinetti plays guitar at the Owl Sprit Cafe, 218 Polk St., today and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
■ Every Monday, Trevor Hanson plays guitar at Alchemy, 842 Washington St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ Steve Grandinetti plays and sings at the Northwest Maritime Center Cafe, 431 Water St., at the end of Water Street next to Point Hudson, Port Townsend, today and Friday from noon till 2 p.m.
High notes
■ On Friday, Olympic Peninsula Dance presents its monthly live-band dance with Maia Santell & House Blend at the Port Townsend Elks Lodge, 555 Otto St., from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with swing, blues, Latin, big band, rhythm and blues, and contemporary favorites with warm, soulful vocals. All are welcome; open to all ages. Smoke-free.
Adults $15, students with ID and disabled $10, ages 12 and younger $7.
There will be a free (with admission) pre-dance lesson in fox trot for all levels with Derek and Pamela Perkins at 7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.olympicpeninsuladance.com or phone 360-385-6919 or 360-385-5327.
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John Nelson is a self-styled music lover and compulsive night owl who believes in “KLMA — Keep Live Music Alive” on the North Olympic Peninsula. His column, Live Music, appears every Thursday.
Are you performing in or promoting a live music gig? Contact John by phoning 360-565-1139 or emailing news@peninsuladailynews.com , with John Nelson in the subject line. And note: Nelson’s new deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. preceding Thursday’s column.
Also, check out “Nightlife,” a listing of entertainment at nightspots across the Peninsula, in Friday’s Peninsula Spotlight magazine.
