Spellbound, by The Virginiabluesman
Posted on 4/22/2010 by Virginiabluesman
(Washington DC) I went to one of the most unlikely places in Ashburn, Virginia to see a local blues/rock band put on a show. Local residents are well aware of the restaurant called Clyde's. I had heard about this venue, but had never been there before. It was a night of pleasant surprises.
I showed up fashionably late since I am the only human being left on the planet without a GPS system. It's not an easy place to find without a GPS ... the road that the restaurant is on divides several times before you get to your destination. Or DOES it? Well, I finally arrived at Clyde's, ordered a reasonably priced beer considering the location and reputation of Clyde's.
I took a walk around the huge reataurant looking for the band stage. It wasn't in the dining area ... I walked outside ... nope, not outside. I walked into the main bar area (they have a few bars), still looking for the band stage, having absolutely no luck at all. Oh well, I had a cold beer, and I decided I would just follow the sounds of the blues when the band started. I asked one of the patrons if he knew where the band would be playing, and he said, "over there". There was no bandstage "over there", but still, this was where the band was going to play
A few minutes went by and the lead vocalist of the band, Julie Fanning approached me and introduced herself to me. Soooooo , there really IS a band playing tonight! She was very pleasant to chat with, and very nervous. She told me she was having throat problems that night, but she would do her best to make sure the show goes on. I liked her attitude.
The band began their frst set, and the large crowd showed their appreciation for the band after every tune. Julie didn't show any signs of having a strained voice, or at least I couldn't sense it. The crowd was friendly, the food and drinks were good and the band rocked the house. There wasn't a dance floor, but people made thier own dance floor whereever they could. I must ay that the crowd was very resposive to the bands music, and showed their appreciation by dancing and applauding after every tune.
The band is a cover band comprised mostly of Classic Rock and Blues. It was great hearing these songs again, and it was obvious that the crowd felt the same. I was pleasantly surprised at the song selections. There were the typical top 40 songs as well as many "Deep Cuts" from the 60's and 70's. The music was well played and a good time was had by all.
Julie Fanning, vocalist of Spellbound
I DO plan on seeing this band again at the same restaurant, only this time they will be playing outdoors in the beautiful large patio which is surrounded by ... more bars. The band seemed to genuinely enjoy themselves, and their entusiasm for their music, especially Julie's, rubbed off on the mixed age crowd.
Spellbound is an enjoyable band, with a great list of songs to entertain you. I can see that Julie Fanning particularly likes to sing the blues. I went to this show to listen to some blues, got a good mix of Classic Rock and blues and walked away (sober) with a smile on my face.
By all means, check this band out if they play in a venue close by. For more info on this band, go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=1234505336 (Julie Fannings facebook page).
Pictures of the entire band were not available at posting time ...
You can reach me at virginiabluesman@gmail.com
Thanks,
Virginiabluesman (Geraldo)
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What makes American Blues News unique is our coverage across America. Here is our lineup:
Mon: Memphis Correspondent - Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms
Nighthawk is our resident globetrotter and man behind the scenes, as he tours with the Reba Russell Band.
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Geraldo offers inteviews and reviews. You may have seen him at an Ana Popovic concert or conversed with him on her websites, as he offers administrative support with her music.
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Jim Stick in Colorado
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Maureen Elizabeth, our resident art correspondent, will be focusing on blues art as she explores the creation of CD covers, or speaking with artists who also have a love of creating pictorial art in addition to their music! She may also feature some of her good friends in the Pittsburgh area. In her love of art, you may find Maureen's photography accompanying writer's articles on our pages. Maureen is also our marketing director.
Pittsburgh correspondent and photographer, CR Bennett, will share the Pittsburgh scene with all of you. You may also see CR's pictures accompanying other writer's articles.
We head to the big state of Texas! Abby Owen, our Texas correspondent.
Another big area to cover, the West Coast with Casey Reagan, Casey will feature many artists and events on this ocean's shores.
Lastly, we have our roving blues entertainment writer,
Chef Jimi.
And of course, we will surprise you sometimes!
Mon: Memphis Correspondent - Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms
Nighthawk is our resident globetrotter and man behind the scenes, as he tours with the Reba Russell Band.
Tues: New York Correspondent - J. Blake
Blake is the American Blues News review and interview guru. You may catch him out and about in NY playing the blues.
Wed: National Correspondent - Monica Yasher
Monica is our executive director and artist interview specialist. You can catch Monica singing the blues around Pittsburgh or working on some country music songs in Nashville.
Thurs: Washington, DC Correspondent - Virginiabluesman
Geraldo offers inteviews and reviews. You may have seen him at an Ana Popovic concert or conversed with him on her websites, as he offers administrative support with her music.
Fri: Northeast Photographer - Nelson Onofre
Nelson offers a Friday column of blues photography and pictorial support for the interviews covered by the team.
Jim Stick in Colorado
Jim will be focusing on the Blues Festivals in the beautiful state of Colorado, and the artists that live and visit there.
Maureen Elizabeth, our resident art correspondent, will be focusing on blues art as she explores the creation of CD covers, or speaking with artists who also have a love of creating pictorial art in addition to their music! She may also feature some of her good friends in the Pittsburgh area. In her love of art, you may find Maureen's photography accompanying writer's articles on our pages. Maureen is also our marketing director.
Pittsburgh correspondent and photographer, CR Bennett, will share the Pittsburgh scene with all of you. You may also see CR's pictures accompanying other writer's articles.
We head to the big state of Texas! Abby Owen, our Texas correspondent.
Another big area to cover, the West Coast with Casey Reagan, Casey will feature many artists and events on this ocean's shores.
Lastly, we have our roving blues entertainment writer,
Chef Jimi.
And of course, we will surprise you sometimes!