10. By the time we get to the gig we have worked ourselves up into an Oakland Raider nation frame of mind.

9. Specially trained Latinas can fling a slipper from the cheap seats and hit Security right between the eyes.

8. Once we start dancing, a swinging middle aged booty becomes a lethal weapon.

7. It’s hard to tell the real convicted felons, from the computer folks that look like them.

6. We always insist on being frisked.

5. Toliet plungers will be used as air trombones.

4. Standing in the spit section blows the smoke into the audience.

3. Bad attitudes doesn’t play well with others.

2. Always tell them, “If you want to break my camera, take a picture of your Mama”.

1. Some of us bring our own security.

As usual Santa Fe And The Fat City Horns were smoking this past Monday night. The house was packed, with music fans, as well as established musicians. Jerry Lopez is often able to pull a few people up from the crowd to sit in with the band, and Monday night was no exception. Coming up to sit in a couple tunes was Bonnie B. from Spyro Gyra, Bonnie is a real bad ass drummer.

Photo Courtesy of Bobby G.

Also in the house stepping up to play, was Tom Politzer lead tenor sax from Tower of Power. Tom sat in for all but three tunes, and was smokin‘. He layed down a couple really nice solo’s, and was reading the bands charts so well that Santa Fe’s lead tenor sat down for quite a few songs.

Photo Courtesy of Bobby G.

As a footnote, Jerry Lopez band leader fro Santa Fe was spotted this past Saturday night groovin‘ to Tower of Power at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. For more info check out Santa Fe on their blog maintained by Bobby G. Click here for the Blog.

Photo Courtesy of Bob Burchfield

The highlight of the weekend was a gaff made by Bob Burchfield (Burchie) during Sunday’s performance. Right before the beginning of “Diggin on James Brown”, Emilio Castillo normally introduces the song by Announcing the Tower of Power is a Soul Band Playing Soul Music For 40 years, he goes on to say and From 1968 right up to…..and then hands the microphone to Burchie to finish the line. Here is the video evidence of what happens next:

I have personally been to many Tower of Power shows and this was the first time that I actually saw the entire band roll with laughter. Burchie were are laughing with you, not at you my friend.

On a personal note, I don’t believe I have ever been with such a large group of people, that got a long so well. Never an argument, just a sharing of friendship, love of music, and tons of laughter. To those who came to Vegas this weekend all I can say is that I’m grateful to have had this experience, to those who missed it but wanted to attend, you were there in spirit.

Raoul Fernandes

10. Why do they want to dig up James Brown?

9. They call him Doc because he looks like your proctologist.

8. So Very Hard to grow? Is he talking about your hair or what?

7. I came to play too, but I lost my shorts.

6. You think the Young Man is wasting his time? He should try the quarter slots.

5. Why didn’t they tell us it was Raider nation tattoo night?

4. This is just great; they seat us in front of the horn section now I have to use the chin strap so my toupee doesn’t get blown off again.

3. Waiter, there has been a mistake, I’m not a high roller I’m a holy roller, and don’t do two drink minimums.

2. The bass player must have gotten the liver of an African American guy.

1. I wish I found a stroke instead of having one.

October 18th will be a very special evening. That is the night that Tower of Power holds its official 40th anniversary party. The party will be held at the legendary “Fillmore” in San Francisco. Tickets to the show are sold out, however about 50 special VIP tickets remain. To find out more information about the VIP tickets go to:http://www.sheffieldgarage.com/topnew/fillmore.htm