GuestbookAdd a message : Bla-Bla-Cafe.com : Search
There are now 41 messages in our guestbook.
Viewing messages 1 to 41. |
Kathryn Selvester
|
|
Hi There Everyone, I have so many wonderful memories of the original Bla-Bla-Cafe. I wrote some of my favorite songs when I was singing there. I spent a lot of time with the other performers and got my first commercial from that stage. It was the Holiday Inn's World campaign. I made a lot of money and spent some great times on tour promoting them. I was fortunate enough to open for Artists such as Al Jareau and Peter Allen. We struck up long great friendships and good times. The Bla-Bla will always be my first love. It was like family every night. I miss Albie and all the staff I was privileged to work with. Blessings to everyone, Love Kathryn
13 July 2008 - Beverly Hills, FL. 34465 United States of America
|
|
coyote cooper
|
|
Hey Gene! It's Gene Herd, right? I remember when you showed up with Michael Jarrett. Your girlfriend (Lynn?) ended up waiting tables at the second location. I hope things are going better for you these days. You were always a brilliant musician. I think I remember you making a flute out of a straw and getting a tune out of it. I hope you're still playing somewhere.
31 March 2008 - Green Valley, CA
|
|
Gene
|
|
Written on the sidewalk at the site of the Bla Bla Café: Thirty-one years ago, on this spot, I unloaded my instruments from the U-Haul that I had rented three weeks before in Ft. Lauderdale. The leader of our trio had convinced us to quit our profitable resort gig – drive across country – and play at the Bla Bla Café two nights a week. He knew all the people there and said that they were well connected, hip, and very supportive. By showcasing his original songs at this venue he said, we would get an album deal and all the money, drugs and women we would ever want. The drive across country was a ball. We partied in New Orleans, Juarez, Las Vegas, and Disneyland before setting eyes on the Bla Bla Café. After working for more than ten years with our trio in casinos and resorts, the Bla Bla was a depressing sight. I hoped this was a joke. It wasn’t. Our leader refused to do any other club work while we were showcasing his songs here. The cash soon ran out and I was sleeping on the floor of a blabette’s house. Finally, he signed a deal with a record company, and recorded – surprise – with some local studio musicians, not us. “You’ve been bugging me to work,” he said. “Now you’re free to gig all you want.” Thanks to the help of my new Bla Bla friends, I got a great gig washing dishes across the street at the Shilling Steak House where I had once been a patron. I always hated Los Angeles. Bad things always happened in Los Angeles.
5 March 2008 - Valley Glen, Calif.
|
|
Steve Diamond
|
|
My name is Steve Kitnick, aka, Steve Diamond. I performed at both locations many times over the years, including the Benefit at the Improv. I still have some memorabilia from that period. From 1977-1980, I lived on Arch Drive (right around the corner from the old Bla-Bla behind Bruno's. Besides performing at the Cafe, I went there, as many of us did as a customer. Sometimes, when there was an opening or cancellation, I would run home and get my props and music, and rush back to the Cafe and perform. Sandy, thank you and thanks to Albie, Ed, Sebastian, and Jack for the wonderful memories. Congratulations on your achievement!
15 July 2007 - Las Vegas, NV
|
|
Bob Burton
|
|
Many fond memories of The Bla Bla, but the one that still impacts my life today is the night Henry Lewy and I, on a tip from Jennifer Warnes, went to see Jude Johnstone perform. It was January 1982, Henry and I left that night with the agreement we must work with this exceptional talent, Jude. I became her manager that year and Henry produced her first project at A&M studios. I am proud to say I am still managing Jude and we have released three CDs, with the newest project "Blue Light," set for Aug. 21, 2007 release on BoJak Records. The Bla Bla brought us together. Thank you.
2 July 2007 - Ashland, OR
|
|
Jim Weidman
|
|
Wow.I just had the urge to google Bla Bla and found out about the book and this site. So many great memories. What a shame it had to end. I performed in both locations and there was nothing like the attention paid and the applause afterwards. I always had a terrible case of stage fright and for the last 27 years have enjoyed a behind the scenes career in motion pictures. So glad to see Sandy is still performing. Thanks for keeping the Bla Bla alive even if only on the internet.
15 April 2007 - Downtown Los Angeles
|
|
Art Gibson
|
|
I grew up at the Bla. 4 years at the old and 2 at the new. I don't think many of you remember me, but I am sure you remember the food, I probably cooked it, as I spent more time/years in those kitchens than anybody. It was a great family to be a part of and with all that I had there (friends, multiple entertainment, a job) I didn't need much else for quite awhile. Now I am successful in the food biz, but I've got a backgroud and memories that are second to none, thanks to you all!
13 March 2007 - Chatsworth, CA USA
|
|
Julio Martinez
|
|
The book has become a launching pad for me to re-investigate that time in my life. The Bla Bla years changed the direction of my life. Thank you Sandy.
27 January 2007 - North Hollywood, CA
|
|
chic street man
|
|
sandy, what a great work. i wish you all the luck and success with the book. i really do think it is a great idea. i remember you well and will always. now, i have to get the book. peace, chic street man
27 January 2007 - seattle, wa 98115
|
|
Eltonduck
|
|
Many fond memories of the Bla Bla. We played at both locations on Ventura what a great time in my life
27 December 2006 - Santa Clarita, Ca.
|
|
Rebecca Dru
|
|
What a blast from the past.Loved playing here! rebecca-dru.com
2 December 2006 - Los Angeles, CA USA
|
|
Tom Johnson
|
|
Aint nothing like it in the world. Thanks for letting me sing! Tommy
13 November 2006 - Las Vegas, Nevada
|
|
steve bluestein
|
|
What a great surprise finding this site. I loved the Bla-Bla. I still have an original program with Peter Allen, Lesley Gore, Al Jarreau and myself. If you want to see what I'm up to google my blog, LIFE SUCKS WHY NOT SHARE IT.
24 September 2006 - Bel Air, CA
|
|
Ken
|
|
I had great times watching the band Communique perform at the Bla Bla with my friend Sheryl. Thanks for creating this site!!!
23 August 2006 - Los Angeles
|
|
Lorenzo Scott
|
|
I have fond memories of The Bla Bla Cafe. My band Communique played there many times. It was the only "cool" rock club in the valley in those days. Back in the day, going to clubs to hear new music was the thing to do (and people actually stayed to hear ALL the bands!). The Bla Bla was our little rock "home" and we still talk about that club to this day. Congrats on your book! Much success!
23 August 2006 - Santa Monica, CA. USA
|
|
Debbi Bennett
|
|
The Bla Bla Cafe . wowee, such memories. Spending time at a table in the back. Holding my friend, Canary's 12 string guitar while she was using the 6-string. Peter Allen just sat quietly at the piano (the dancer in him had yet to come out.) Drinking way more espresso than I should have and staying up the better part of the night. Ah, for the old days.
28 July 2006 - formerly of Hollywood, California
|
|
Sandy Ross
|
|
I'm writing an entry to thank Donna Adams of River Graphics for all her work with the contribution of this website. Someone says "Forum" and she creates a Forum. . .Someone says "Reunion" and she offers to put up pages of photos. She's just one of those beautiful people who sits quietly behind the lights and makes things happen. Thank you Donna!
16 July 2006 - Tarzana, CA
|
|
Lisa Nemzo
|
|
Sandy has brought us together once again, and honored our history as artists, who were coming of age. I am proud to have been a part of such a legacy. Without Marylee Tyson, Steve Pinkston, Irene Pinn, Albie, Eddie, Sandy, Debby Van Poucke, Janet Van Ham, Jud Kramer, Keith Wechsler and Jenny Yates believing in me, supporting and loving me, I would never have come to the place I am in my creative or personal life. I thank you with all my heart.
12 July 2006 - Marina del Rey, CA. USA
|
|
Debbie Beall (Debra Gartin)
|
|
Sandy, Thanks for this fabulous book. I haven't stopped crying since I picked it up. The most wonderful memories. My life today came from the Bla Bla Cafe. I got my first job working for Barron, Skip the waiter got me the job. Sabby was with me when I met my husband Gary and incouraged me to "go for it" I did and we have been married for 27 years. I also put some of those rainbows in Sabby's hair. I dated Ernie from Chunky,Novi and Ernie. And worked with Sally and Maria at Barron's Hair Studio. I miss them all. please give Maria Massa my email address I would love to talk with her again. I miss Eddie. He was my big protector and big brother. Thanks again for filling my heart with sweet memories. Jud Kramer I love you. Debra Gartin
10 July 2006 - Indianola, Wa, 98342 USA
|
|
Debby VanPoucke
|
|
I LOVE YOU ALL!!! My expierences and friendships from the Bla Bla, have been a part of my heart and my successes all of my life. I have missed many of you often. The Bla Bla has always been one of my best "magical" moments in this crazy industry. There are times when I have longed for it to be that crazy simple once again. Bless us everyone =) So Sandy, pour another cup of Java.
18 June 2006 - Pacific Palisades, California
|
|
Jud
|
|
Sandy! Thank you so much for finally getting a lot of us back together! The book is fantastic and brings back so many forgotten moments, such as the way Sabby used to rub your earlobes and look at you with those big moon-pie-eyes while talking to him. I have been reliving the days and hearing the sounds of the Bla Bla still floating around in the back of my brain. And I still remember Lisa Nemzo on the last night of the cafe saying, "someday, someone is going to be working in here and there going to pause and say, 'wow! did I just hear music?'" Thank you so very much!!!!
12 June 2006 - Santa Monica, CA
|
|
Bobi Jackson
|
|
Congratulations! It's another success story by one of the music greats of our times. Thanks.
12 June 2006 - Venice, CA
|
|
Miriam Cutler
|
|
I'm so glad someone has chrononicled the amazing BLA BLA Cafe years. I can't imagine a more supportive and stimulating place to jettison into a life of performing and writing music. Good luck with it all Sandy!
10 June 2006 - Los Angeles, CA
|
|
Sara Messenger aka Sally Piano
|
|
What a wonderful blast from the past! I got to LA just in time to do a grip 'o' gigs at the Bla Bla before it closed. Those were the days I often shared the stage with Alfred Johnson, Julie Chadwick, and all the regulars on the vibrant scene back then, Vonda, Vicki, Colleen Stewart (holla, girl!), Danny Peck, Randy Handley, Salet Gordon, Jude Johnstone, Peter Hamon, Keb'Mo and Carl Anderson, many of whom became good friends. It was the kind of club I can't seem to find these days, where artists felt welome and had a home. Thank you for bringing us all back. All I can say is: Bla, bla, bla!
8 June 2006 - San Diego, California, USA
|
|
Lillian Kenison
|
|
Although I have never been to the Bla Bla, I have heard Sandy at a performance here or there; she is not a person one soon forgets. I also heard Lisa Nemzo's performance before I ever met her as a therapist. Congratulations on such a unique idea to write a book and have a 'reunion' of old friends.
7 June 2006 - Kirkland Washington
|
|
Tom Demenkoff
|
|
My move in the mid-70's from NYC to LA was an opportunity to make a transition from appearing on Broadway to a career in music. The variety of gigs I played at the Bla Bla Cafe provided me with invaluable experience as a musician and a songwriter. Over 35 years later I still work as an actor, and also a musician - with many thanks to the gracious warmth of Bla Bla Cafe Family.
29 May 2006 - NYC / NY
|
|
Larry Dalven
|
|
Thanks for keeping the bla-bla alive thru this site and book. It was one of the coolest places anywhere, ever. I am thankful that Sandy was able to document and capture the love that made the bla-bla such a cool place.
21 May 2006 - NY, NY USA
|
|
Guerin Barry
|
|
I, too, was new to California in July, 1975. I found the Bla Bla through my friends Chunky and Novi and was made to feel most welcome. I had just arrived from New York City and I enjoyed the creative atmosphere and the diverse cast of characters. I remember those years with great fondness and still number among my closest friends many folks I met at the Bla.
16 May 2006 - Los Angeles, CA
|
|
Casey MacGill
|
|
What a treat to recall memories of the Bla-Bla. I played piano for Kiki, and spent many a fun evening listening to and hanging with Alice Stone, Chunky, Novi, Ernie, etc, '77-'82. Thank you, Sandy
15 May 2006 - Seattle, WA
|
|
Bill Flower
|
|
Wow I certainly do remember visiting the first BlaBla Cafe around 1975, when I'd just turned 21 and wanted to find a place to start my legal partying. It was very crowded, but congenial, and the comedy was outragiously good. I came back a number of times, then I was bummed when it was no longer there. I didn't think to check for a new location, darn it all. Looking forward to seeing the book, Sandy, and you might see me at the reunion!
15 May 2006 - Los Angeles, CA
|
|
colleen stewart
|
|
wow i think i brought the first synth in that place after the black keys started falling off the piano, god those nights with teda vickie kiki june and jean millington diane lyndsay al on and on what a place $35.oo and free chili from eddie and albie.life doesn;t get better than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14 May 2006 - venice ca. 90291
|
|
Lori Barth
|
|
For two years, every Thursday night at 7PM, I would open for various acts at the Bla Bla Cafe. In exchange, Albi would make sure i got my favorite omlette for dinner. This always allowed me to stay and see all the wonder talent like Al Jarreau, Karla Bonoff, Jelly, Chunky Novi and Ernie, Carl Anderson. I was new at performing and this was a thrill. I will never forget Sandy Ross and how kind she always was to me, and what those days meant in my life!
13 May 2006 - Sherman Oaks, CA
|
|
Judy Krueger
|
|
I first met Sandy sometime in the 1990s when she was posting her "Notes From the Road" on the folkmusic listserve. We have shared a few stages in LA during the singer/songwriter boom of those years. Because I am also a writer, Sandy kindly let me read her new book, A Place Called the Bla-Bla Cafe, before it's release. It is a wonderful book and I encourage every one to get a copy, read it and carry on in the tradition Sandy has so lovingly preserved.
13 May 2006 - Shadow Hills, CA
|
|
Richard Rosing
|
|
I played solo at the Bla-Bla a bunch of times in 1981 & 1982 and along with the legendary Tag Team singer-songwriters. It's always held a special place in my memories of those days. I can't wait to read the book! I may not be able to come out to the reunion but everyone have a great time. Thanks Sandy Ross for doing this.
12 May 2006 - Nashville, Tennessee
|
|
Richard Goldman
|
|
Sandy: congrats on pulling off a wonderful idea. To Dee Archer a great big thanks for your wonderful version of "Desdemona" I have wonderful memories of being in the audience and hearing one of my tunes become a serious goose bump moment. I have a ton of memories of conversations with Albi at the old location eating Bla-Bla burgers where he would tell me of his dreams for making the club into this community of like-minded and talented performers. I would say to him that it already was but he never seemed to buy it. But thanks to Sandy, wherever he is, I'll bet he believes it now.
7 May 2006 - Los Angeles
|
|
coyote cooper
|
|
It's so cool to see this project come together. I look forward to seeing old friends and family at the reunion. Sad, though, that some of our key players are not with us.
1 May 2006 - Green Valley, CA
|
|
Dee Archer
|
|
Some of my favorite memories as a performer include my 50+ gigs with my great bands at the Bla Bla in '79 and '80! (With Debby Van Poucke on sound - and with the inimitable Sandra opening for us! Now there's a chuckle.) How great you have put this together. Hope to be at the Reunion in June. I'll spread the word to other alum!
28 April 2006 - Los Angeles, CA
|
|
Lou
|
|
Was new to Cali. My first stop the Bla Bla Cafe. Had many good times.thanks for sharing
24 April 2006 - No. Hollywood
|
|
Lynn N
|
|
WHAT A WONDERFUL PROJECT I ONLY HOPE THE SITE AND THE BOOK GETS TO ALL WHO LOVED WORKED LIVED AT THE BLA BLA. BETTE & RCKIE BARBARA LIZ MUDGIE HAL SALLY & MIKIE ,AND OF COURSE ALL OUR ANGELS WHO ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US. THANK YOU SANDY
24 April 2006 - BALDWIN ,NY
|
|
Janet Voight
|
|
Nice site, Glad this book was written. I only know Sally and Michael Stringer, Sabby Masssa and thru them know how much this place means to them and to all who have passed thru its portals. What a wonderful start for so many talented people. And a wonderful memory for those who participated in it.
19 April 2006 - Plainfield, IL, USA
|
|
Sally
|
|
It gives me great pride to see this book taking shape, and great gratitude to you Sandy for making it happen. Sucess always.
19 April 2006 - No. Hollywood, CA
|
|