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There are now 56 messages in our guestbook.
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Bob Freeborn-Rubin
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Does anyone else remember this unfinished song that Al Jarreau used to sing at nearly every set? "Sunstream, daydream, walkin' outside, takin' a ride (repeat), Seems to me like, you got your wings spread, in eagle flight (repeat)." I love that little tune and still sing it from time to time. Wonder if it ever got finished.
31 January 2012 - Santa Barbara CA
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John Eimen
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I was a red-haired kid, a regular there from '71 to late '74. I loved it and the people so much!!!
22 January 2012 - Mukilteo Washington
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Alexandra ( Ki-Ki ) Brooks
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I sang at "The Bla's" off and on for many years. Kinda grew up there musically. It was a fabulous place to perform and learn your craft. It's a shame there is nothing like it today for young talent. It was a blessing in my life for sure.
13 August 2011 - USA
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Mary Ellen Holleran
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Wow! I waitressed and then managed the Bla Bla 80-81. Carl Anderson played Saturday nights. Jude Johnstone was a regular and the E Street band was unemployed for a bit so they hung out and drank a lot. Skip Nelson, Dottie Flynn, were working there as well. I still have a picture of Skip and some crew members in front of the place.
8 May 2011 - Chapel Hill/Raleigh, NC
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Robin Miller
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I spent many great nights at the bla-bla in the early & mid 70s. I was a patron, not a performer. Loved The Eloquent Elephant, enjoyed Al Jarreau on stage but hated him at night, because he was my next-door neighbor for a while. He had a tall blond g/f and her mother living with him, and they fought, fought, fought while I was trying to sleep.
15 April 2011 - Bradenton FL
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Jane
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What a great memory of years gone by. I worked with Maine, slepping around her guitar and itsy bitsy speaker! I felt like a star, where is she? How about Shelby and Jack.
28 October 2010 - Los Angeles, CA
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Manny Freiser
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As part of duo Fire & Rain, loved playing the original (AND second) Bla Bla. Albie & Billy were the only club owners I can EVER remember who actually SHUSHED the audience so that the performers could be heard. And I recall our first night there -- Patti and I earned I think $3 each. We used to work Monday nights with Jarreau and Big Jim Eaves. Great memories!
29 July 2010 - Northridge, CA
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John Gazlay
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My brothers Dave and Rick and myself had an acoustic trio in the early to late 70's called "Parts". We played at the the Bla-Bla Cafe a number of times. We always found it an interesting experience both inside the club and outside around the neighborhood. We had a number of bizarre things happen across the street at the 7-11. Great days, great place!
25 May 2010
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Donna Smith
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My old friend, Al Enomoto, lead a wonderful group back in the 70s called Dobbie, Beaver and Bud. My friends and I would go down every Wednesday night to the original Bla Bla Cafe to hear them play. It was such a wonderful time to be in L.A. There were many terrific clubs to go in L.A. at that time, but the people at the Bla Bla were the absolute best!
25 March 2010 - Charlottesville, VA
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John Harden
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Played many a gig at the Bla-Bla with Dee Archer's band and later with my own. Good times.
28 February 2010
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debi pomeroy
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i lived a couple of blocks up the street on Bluffside Drive and used to frequent the Bla Bla after hours when I was finished playing my gigs. Saw Julio and Al Jarreau there many times during the after hours. Eddie, the waiter, was so sweet. Didn't Al Jarreau marry one of the waitresses? What ever happened to Eddie.(this was the early Bla Bla cafe next to Arch Dr. Also, played the newer Bla Bla in the late 70's.
15 February 2010 - Santa Clarita, CA USA
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Gary Mazzola
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This was the best place to play and see great musicians perform. We played there many times. guacapapa's! mmmmmmmmm
4 December 2009 - Tehachapi, CA
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Robin Reid
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I have many memories of the Bla. I remember when it was at the original location on Ventura next to a body shop. They always fed me great sandwiches for playing there. Then I remember the new location when they moved further up Ventura. I remember the bass player putting me up against the wall saying I owed him $25.00. I remember in December coming off stage and everyone was huddled around a small radio in the front. Maria said. John Lennon got shot". I said "Is he alright".She said "No They killed him". I have so many memories of a very kind staff and great audiences. We could do a new song for fun and not even care.
27 November 2009 - Kingston Upon Thames, UK
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Carol Willford
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I'm so thrilled to find this web page! I performed quite a number of times at the Bla Bla Cafe, but changed my stage name a couple times back then, so I'm not sure which last name I used (Jae Scott or London), so I've signed this guestbook with my maiden name (which I also used for a while). I have such fond memories of so many great nights at the Bla Bla Cafe. I remember playing at Skip Hartman's (later, Skip "Nelson") "A La Carte" on Highland, and later finding him as a member of the Bla Bla team. It seemed everyone gravitated to the Bla Bla! I also remember you so well, Sandy, and what a major role you played at the Bla Bla. I also remember Berlin playing there before getting their big break. I knew Gene and Paul Nelson and John Bucchino because we all performed in the first Festival of New Music concert together (organized by SRS and hosted by Peter Yarrow). So, of course I caught their performances at the Bla Bla. Magical times indeed! I will most definitely be checking back for updates on this site. Perhaps you should consider forming a group on Facebook - I'm sure you'd round up plenty of members in no time! Thanks again, Sandy. It's so wonderful to see that the Bla Bla Cafe still thrives, even if virtually.
18 November 2009 - Lake Forest - Orange County, CA
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Sherry Rayn Barnett, Photographer/Musician
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Hello friends. Lauren Wood (a.k.a, "Chunky") and Novi Novog will be playing a special private outside concert at my home on Sunday August 30 in the Toluca Lake area. We're pretty full up but would happily make room for longtime Bla Bla fans. Feel free to contact me for further info at gtrgrapher@aol.com.
27 August 2009 - Toluca Lake, CA
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Kathy Parks
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loved this place!.Best entertainment, best spinach omelet and most of all I remember Eddie who was such a sweetheart.
18 August 2009 - Temecula, Ca
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Suzy Holiday
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I had the distinct honor of performing at the original bla bla 74'-75. I along with my sister Kathy sang backup for Gary Underwood. Ken Tucker was lead guitar. Brief as it was, it's a precious memory for all of us. So sorry it's not still around, but I still have a great friendship with the group members.
14 August 2009 - Santa Clarita, CA.
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John Deegan
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I remember seeing Rick Abao and Kim Milford. Also, Jack Slaughter. They had the best cinnamon coffee. I think I drowned myself in it. can't remember the big guy who cooked there. I loved him. Damn memory.
26 July 2009 - Whidbey Island, WA USA
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Michael Stringer
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There is a group on Face Book called 'Kids of the San Fernando Valley Things we loved from the 70's & 80's'. I started a new discussion in that group called "The Bla Bla Cafe". If you are on Face Book, give it a look/see and add to the discussion.
24 May 2009 - North Hollywood, CA
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Laurie Bennett
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I remember Todd, Gene, Chunky, Ernie and Novy, Beaver, Bud and Gidget, Lauren Tewes (and her friends), Al Jarreau and just having such fun at the original Bla Bla. I knew Alan from Beaver, Bud and Gidget really well until he moved out of state. He wrote some of my favorite songs. The spirit of the Bla Bla Cafe was beautiful and I truly miss my weekly visits.
17 April 2009 - Santa Barbara, CA
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Tina Mirabal
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Jack Arsenault,a friend has shared stories from his past. The stories from here you know meant so much to him.
1 April 2009 - Farmington, NM USA
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Jack Arsenault
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Wow.This is Jack and I owned the Bla Bla Cafe along with Albie and Eddie. It's been a thousand years past! I became a Social Worker in Colorado and many other hats have been worn. I am looking to contact Larry Perkins if anyone knows where he's at. I now live in Farmington New Mexico. Would love to hear from anyone who remembered me.
31 March 2009 - Farmington, New Mexico USA
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Joe Arsenault
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AH how nice is the past. I spent many hours at both sites. Lots of great food and drink. My brother Jack worked there for many years. Thanks Sandy for the great walk thur the past. Joe
11 March 2009
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Todd Waite
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Hahaha, ain't the 'net something? I hung at the Bla Bla back around '72-'75, I was the little hippie with the glasses and sketchpad. To this very day, I still tell stories of those days, of the great performers (I still can't believe I ever got bored watching Al Jerreau on Tues. nites!!). I remember some friends and I "kidnapping" Sandy Ross and Ellen to Doug's house in Malibu Cyn., and what magic she brought to the evening. About being so proud of the poster I did illustrating Keith Green's song "Haircut". Killer coffee, man. I recall Eddie, the waiter, who seemed to have a very overt fondness for me, although he had been strictly warned by Mr. Sally that I wasn't into guys. He was such a sweet fellow! Hi, Eddie, if you're out there, I hope you are well. Many years, many miles. Many smiles to all you lovely people, you've given me a smile every time I've thought of you! With love, Todd
24 February 2009 - Long Beach, CA
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Andrea Vieira
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In the mid-70s there was a fantastic folk-rock trio named Dobbie, Beaver and Bud who was Bla-Bla's house band on Wednesday nights. They had great songs and obviously had a great time on stage. I remember seeing them in other venues around LA but they were at their best at the Bla-Bla. Sandy Ross would shake a mean tambourine from the back of the room during their sets. I had wonderful memories of the Bla-Bla.
17 February 2009 - Newport Beach, CA
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Gene
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I owe M a debt of gratitude for bringing me to, and leaving me in, Los Angeles 33 years ago. Every Hollywood star trek leaves in its wake a flotsam of broken hearts. He did what most starving artists do in Hollywood - follow the star. After the Bla Bla, which was for me a train wreck, I became a regular at the Self-Pity Saloon for a few more years before spiraling to the bottom. Somehow, I found AA, went back to school, earned a degree in journalism, took a job with the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, and eventually became its executive director. I married my perfect mate, joined the Unitarian-Universalist Church in Studio City, and now absolutely Love LA. And, I am buddies again with M, the “lost leader with whom I flew.”
10 February 2009 - Valley Glen California
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Kathryn Selvester
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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
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coyote cooper
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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
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Steve Diamond
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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
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Bob Burton
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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
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Jim Weidman
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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
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Art Gibson
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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
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Julio Martinez
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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
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chic street man
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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
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Eltonduck
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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.
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Rebecca Dru
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What a blast from the past.Loved playing here! rebecca-dru.com
2 December 2006 - Los Angeles, CA USA
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Tom Johnson
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Aint nothing like it in the world. Thanks for letting me sing! Tommy
13 November 2006 - Las Vegas, Nevada
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steve bluestein
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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
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Ken
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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
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Lorenzo Scott
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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
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Debbi Bennett
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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
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Sandy Ross
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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
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Lisa Nemzo
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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
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Debbie Beall (Debra Gartin)
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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
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Debby VanPoucke
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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
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Jud
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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
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Bobi Jackson
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Congratulations! It's another success story by one of the music greats of our times. Thanks.
12 June 2006 - Venice, CA
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Miriam Cutler
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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
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Sara Messenger aka Sally Piano
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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
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Lillian Kenison
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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
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Tom Demenkoff
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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
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Larry Dalven
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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
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Guerin Barry
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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
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Casey MacGill
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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
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Bill Flower
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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
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colleen stewart
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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
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