I Want Some Moe.

Following their successful release of “Warts and All,” jamband stalwarts Moe are once again getting ready for another installment of their successful concert series, Moe.down. Running from August 29^th through August 31st, 2008, this is the ninth installment of festival and the line-up is once again filled with a diverse crew of performers. 

 

Leading this year’s crew of performers are the festival hosts, The Sparrow Quartet featuring Abigail Washburn and Bela Fleck, the Presidents of the United States of America, and Fishbone. Other bands performing include Umelt, Cornmeal, The Brew, PMG, The Macpodz, The Bridge, Lynch, and Swampadelica.

 

Held in Turin, New York, this is one of the East’s most anticipated jamband festivals, bringing together a wide collection of music groups and an even wider collection of partiers.

 

I went to a Moe.down when I lived back East and I can honestly say that it was a blast. People were respectful, the bands sounded great, and the folks behind the event really seemed to care about the people who paid for their tickets. A lot of thought has gone into these events and they do a great job making it fun and safe for everyone.

 

Early-bird tickets are on sale now for $105 at Ticketmaster.

World Series of Poker Quickie: 6/3/08

So Close, Yet So Far

Andy Bloch is arguably the best poker pro who doesn’t own a bracelet. With numerous final table appearances, Bloch appears caught in the “always a bridesmaid and never a bride” syndrome. Unfortunately for Bloch, he once again finished second to Nenad Medic in the $10,000 Pot Limit Hold’em Event #1 and he once again finds himself on the grind to take home his first gold bracelet.

 

Andy is possibly one of the smartest all-around players and I have a firm belief that he will get over his hump and take his share of bracelets before he retires. The only fear I have is that he might get board and decide to leave the game to pursue things off of the felt. If he stays focused, he stands to make a mint and win his share of WSOP bling.

 

Bloch took home $448,048 for finishing second. Medic collected $794,112 for the win.

 

If I Die, I Want to Come Back As Patrick Antonius

I have to wonder if we are reincarnated after we die. If we are, I want to come back as Patrik Antonius. Let’s face it. The guy is possibly one of the luckiest men in the world. A modern Adonis, Antonius has the looks of a movie star and the brain of mad scientist. This former tennis pro turned poker superstar captivates railbirds wherever he goes.

 

With Sunday’s announcement that he had joined Team Full Tilt, Antonius cemented his position as one of the game’s most marketable players. The best “free agent” in the industry, Antonius is a natural fit for Tilt and he should give the online site plenty of advertising bang for their buck.

 

When I worked for Card Player Magazine, I did a 20-page spread on the people and the players of Full Tilt and it was no surprise that they landed the Finnish Antonius. With Full Tilt looking to increase their international player base, the need for a European superstar to promote the site was a logical priority. Prior to Antonius’ signing, Tilt signed The Hendon Mob due to their high level of exposure in the European marketplace, but their arrival was far less spectacular than Antonius recent announcement.

 

Having just made the first final table of the 2008 World Series of Poker, “Finddagrind” as he is known online at Full Tilt, has once again put Tilt at the forefront of the online-sponsored players race. Once referred to as “sex on a stick,” by one of the female WSOP photographers, Antonius will most likely captivate poker fans for years to come, so this is a big score for the Tilt.

 

The East Coast is in the House

I work as a media consultant for the Borgata in Atlantic City during their Poker Open tournament series and this has allowed me to become very familiar with the East Coast tournament scene. As I walked through the $1,500 Event #3 (Pot Limit Hold’em), I was greeted by plenty of familiar faces that had made the trip to the Vegas desert in hopes of getting their piece of the WSOP pie.

 

Borgata Poker Open regulars such as Mike Sica, Louie Esposito, Matt Brady, and Ylon Schwartz were sighted at the Rio and players such as Matt”Allinat420” Stout, Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy, and Eric “Sheets” Haber are also expected to see action.

 

I’ve spent numerous hours watching these guys play while working and I have a good feeling that one of these players could break out and win one for the guys from the East. Although West Coast poker players believe they are better, the East Coast guys are just as tough and it is only a matter of time before they make their presence felt. 

 

 

 

The International DJ Expo in Atlantic City

Ok, so when you think of the venue that would host the International DJ Expo, the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City is not exactly the first place that to comes to mind. In fact, Atlantic City is probably the last place that I ever thought would host an event like this, but alas, the Gods have proved me wrong yet again. The Taj will play host to a series of parties and events for the 2008 International DJ Expo starting August 11th, with daily events running until the 14th.

 

Best known for its appearance in the poker movie Rounders and most recently for having one of its patrons stabbed to death over an argument that took place during a low stakes poker game, the Taj is, shall we say, in a class all by itself.

 

Sponsored by DJTimes, this event will feature 25 educational seminars, networking opportunities, 130 booths, nightly parties, and DJ showcases.

 

I’m not exactly sure what to say about this event as I’m not a big fan of the Taj these days. I spent many a night playing low limit hold’em there back in the day and the place has only gone downhill since then. Although I love good dance music, let’s just say that I doubt I’ll make this one.

 

For more info, go to:  http://www.djtimes.com/djexpo/2008/

Bo Didley Joins Guitar Legends In the Sky

One of the leaders of the old school of blues is gone. 

Music legend Bo Didley died of heart failure yesterday at the age of 79. With a 40-year career, Didley has influenced everyone from the Beatles to U2. Considered one of the godfathers of the blues movement, Didley was also considered instrumental in the rock and roll revolution.

 

R.I.P. Mr. Didley.