December 2, 2007

Dear Fans, Friends and Family of Hurricane Gumbo,

As the end of the year approaches we are taking a well-deserved break to sit back and reflect on our performances of 2007. While there are many stories from the road, the most important thing we would like to do is thank the hundreds of new fans we met during the year and the continued support from our friends and families.

Given our trip down to Peoria this past weekend, we would like to send a special thanks to all the folks at Po-Boy’s in Peoria. Who would have thought that a drive that normally takes about two and a half hours would turn into a five hour hell ride? I guess that is what happens when you hit the road during the first ice storm of the year.

We were glad to arrive in Peoria and enjoy an ice cold Abita, and really appreciate their understanding in allowing us to begin later than our scheduled time given the weather. The place is really cool and we look forward to February 2 when we will help them celebrate Mardi Gras 2008. Our final public show of 2007 is this Friday, December 7 at T.C. Pub in Oak Lawn. We look forward to seeing you out there.

During the short break, we are finishing a new CD containing new material and energetic sounds from our live shows. We hope to have it done and ready to share with folks during Mardi Gras 2008. Speaking on Mardi Gras 2008, dates are already being booked so please check the Dates Page for the latest information on where we will be during Mardi Gras.

Also stay tuned for a new look to this Web site that will be launched in early 2008. Again thanks for all your support, and we’ll see you at the next show.

Hurricane Gumbo

November 20, 2007

Bill-
I wanted to thank you and Hurricane Gumbo for playing at the benefit on Sunday. We raised over $2,200! That's good for a benefit that was pulled together as quickly as this one was pulled together.

The band was outstanding. Everyone I spoke to had a great time. The Blue Bayou was a fantastic place to have the event and I am so glad you recommended it. I hope that we can do this again next year.

William Bogie

October 26, 2007

The second Rebuild and Revive New Orleans Benefit will be held at the Blue Bayou on Sunday, November 11th. Proceeds will benefit the Rebuild Center and the Mid City Collaborative, which provides services to the large group of Katrina survivors in Mid City New Orleans.

In an effort to bring Thanksgiving cheer to New Orleans, Hurricane Gumbo and the DePaul University’s Management of Public Services School is accepting donations of tangible goods to send to the Rebuild Center on during the week of Nov 11.

Stop at Hurricane Gumbo’s Blue Bayou Zydeco Sunday shows Oct.28th, Nov. 4th or Nov. 11th to drop off your items. The band will box them up and get them shipped to the Rebuild Center. Presently they are in need of canned goods for the food pantry, bath-related items (toothpaste, disposable razors, shampoos, etc.), underwear and socks in a variety of sizes, towels and money.

If you would like more details on how you can help, feel free to contact Bill R at hurricanebill@hurricanegumbo.net.

September 15, 2007

Here is a note we just received regarding a benefit we played for a church in New Orleans last year...

"Hi Bill -I am writing this from New Orleans on the second of my four trips here this fall. On my last trip (two weeks ago) we dedicated the Rebuild Center and today our students helped to serve 125 homeless clients at the center. You and the band helped with all of this....and you should all be very proud. We also brought the remainder of t-shirts we had left from the fundraiser and you should have seen the looks on their faces - they appreciated them so much !!! Anyway I hope we can collaborate on another event so we can help them even more - and maybe you will even come with us sometime. Hope to talk to you soon - Gloria"

August 11, 2007

As we pulled up to the bar in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, I said to Matt “hey look, there’s a band called Live Gator playing with us tonight.” Boy was I wrong. When the sign says Live Gator it means a 7-ft, 160 pound alligator lounging in a kiddie pool near the stage.

This was one of many interesting events from our weekend at Molly’s Grill and its August Mardi Gras block party. The owner Jay or Butch (we heard people call him both) threw an excellent party. With beads, hurricanes, beers and food, he really set the mood. Too bad the weather blew in and poured on the outside festivities.

After drying things off, we headed inside to finish our show acoustic style. We never have a chance to play in a smaller, softer setting and it was fun. The people stuck around as well and the entire event was a blast. Top it off with a dip in the Falls Inn motel pool and nachos from the Flying J truck stop at 2:00 a.m. and the trip to the northwest of Wisconsin was a blast.

Special thanks to Jay/Butch for everything and hopefully we can get back up his way for another job. Maybe a Friday night in Milwaukee and a Saturday in Black River Falls? Sounds like a plan.

Have a few private events lined up over the next few weeks, but the next public show is October 19 at TC Pub. There might be a possible show in Peoria in December and it looks like Fat Tuesday 2008 will find us at Duffy’s Tavern in Chicago. Keep checking back to the site as the details come in.

HG

July 23, 2007

This past weekend marked our first excursion to Michigan City, Indiana. We played the Shoreline Brewery and to a great audience who enjoyed the music till 2:00 a.m. In addition to the great response, the groovy staff filled our tummies with wonderful food and great tasting beers.

While it was definitely one of the longer jobs we have played this summer, the entire band agrees that is was a strong show. In fact, recording engineer extraordinaire Bill Green was on hand to record the performance and I know he will have some good to stuff to share in the future. Special thanks to our Chicago fans who made the trip via land and water. If we are invited back, we will let you know. You helped turn the place into a party.

July 7, 2007

Can someone say hot? Gee whiz our one hour afternoon performance at the Taste of Chicago was hotter than a firecracker in a bonfire and went too fast. But even with the heat and humidity, hundreds of folks came to hear us and we appreciate their spirit.

St. Anne’s Parish in Homewood–Home to Hurricane Bill every Sunday morning–organized a group of more than 50 people. Thank you Father Kevin and Cherise. Speaking of the southside, a bunch of Gumbo faithful from BJ McMahon’s showed up and didn’t seem to mind the heat. I guess when you drink that many cold beers you don’t even notice it.

Thanks to the Mayor's Office of Special Events for bringing us back once again, and a very special thanks to Brett for helping us out on such short notice. Did he even have time to take a shower?

Special shout out to SonicJive’s Mike Canter who forgot to buy us beers with the 98 tickets he purchased. Let’s see nine beers would have only been 99 tickets. If he would have asked for one more, we would have more than obliged.

Next up is our first performance in Michigan City, Indiana at the Shoreline Brewery. We hear the beer and food are great and it is very close to the outlet mall. Can someone say new china pattern! Oh stop.

See you soon
HG

June 25, 2007

Greetings from the Tired Brain of Gumbo

Three gigs in three days … a little tiring but we had a blast!

It started Thursday night in Carol Stream at the weekly Concert in the Park series. The rain stayed away and the crowd was great. It was nice to see all the kids getting into the music. Special thanks to Albertos for providing the band a great dinner after the show and to Onesti Entertainment for inviting us to play

Friday night we made a trip to Hazelcrest for the St. Anne’s Carnival. We typically play during Mardi Gras time, but this year they wanted us during the summer. The evening was great … especially the efforts of Don the sound guy who was dealing with a plethora of power issues.

After some well-needed rest, we capped off things off with a performance at the St. Josaphat Festival in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. We always enjoy playing this festival and we want to thank Richard for including us in this year’s festivities once again. Hope to see everyone next year.

We have a week off and then the fun begins with a July 7 set at the world famous Taste of Chicago. We start at 1:30 so come enjoy a great day downtown with us. Who says you can’t celebrate Mardi Gras in July?

June 13, 2007

Well that was one for the books, and everyone made it back. The band manager had to have a little talk with the new guy about road rules, but other than that it was a great time. We want to thank everyone at the Gumbo Ya Ya Festival, Staff & Crew for doing such a wonderful job. We look forward to performing at this event every year, and encourage folks to make a trip out to the festival next year.

Speaking of next year, I can't wait that long to go back to our new little spot. The band had the chance to stop in to Ron's Cajun Connection on the way back. What a treat for us, and what a great find. A little out of the way, but well worth the trip. We ain't gonna wait until next year to go back. I'm ready to go this Sunday.

Speaking of the weekend, the weather is going to be aw-some, so the band is heading down to Champaign, IL for the Park District Block Party. Check our web site for info. Don't forget our friends at the Fat City Saloon. We may have to stop in that night.

Stay tuned for the next update,

May 17, 2007

Greetings Gumboheads,

Sorry for the long time in between entries. Things have been a bit hectic as we prepare for another busy festival season.

Speaking of festival season …

June 9 marks the beginning of our busy summer festival season as we head back to Rock Island for the annual Gumbo Ya Ya Festival. We have performed here in the past and love coming to the Quad Cities. We are playing two sets in the late afternoon starting at 4:00 so hope to see you there.

Looking ahead, we return to Champaign on June 16 and then head to Carol Stream on June 21. Keep checking back as more dates and exciting events are unveiled in the upcoming weeks.

March 16, 2007

With Mardi Gras behind us we look toward a busy summer. Check the dates’ page for new performances including upcoming jobs in Champaign, Carol Stream and Chicago’s Taste of Lincoln Ave. There are also some other possible dates in the works so keep checking the site or your e-mail with a message from Hurricane Bill.

We are also in the process of revamping our Web site to include more music, more pictures and some new merchandise. Please keep checking back for a new and improved Hurricane Gumbo in cyberspace.

February 9, 2007

It is the morning after the “Hambone Blues Party” radio show on WDCB 90.9 and we are still a bit groggy from our late night radio performance. Things went well and the listeners enjoyed it.

Hambone always plays great blues and R&B, but around Mardi Gras he plays some of the best New Orleans-flavored tunes in Chicago. Thanks again for inviting us to the studio and being part of the show.

We are taking it easy this weekend because the next couple of weeks are going to be filled with lots of travel, meeting tons of new people, some debauchery, and the distribution of thousands of beads … but not in this particular order.

If you have not gotten your tickets for the Fat Tuesday show at Cubby Bear please get them now. We promise lots of fun, special guest musicians and who knows what other surprises are in store.

We are coming to the Canopy Club next Thursday so be prepared Champaign Urbana.

January 1, 2007

Happy New Year to everyone!