By Charlie Yi on Thursday, May 27, 1999 - 07:42 am: EditIs it true that Carlos has left BTO? What's the deal? Tammy, I heard you got some scoop?
| By Charlie Yi on Thursday, May 27, 1999 - 07:42 am: Edit |
Is it true that Carlos has left BTO? What's the deal? Tammy, I heard you got some scoop? |
| By Glenn on Thursday, May 27, 1999 - 04:40 pm: Edit |
That's pretty much the rumor going around and I know Tammy heard it directly from one of the band members. So I'd say its pretty definite. |
| By ..... on Thursday, May 27, 1999 - 06:46 pm: Edit |
Tammy left 4 S.F. but she told me before she left about the news.... They're realy up poop creak without Carlos... |
| By Regina on Friday, May 28, 1999 - 09:50 am: Edit |
I may be out here in FLORIDA right now, but I talked to Jamie about it last week. Seems that, yes, they fired Carlos for their own reasons but the drummer that they have now, his name is Mike, is supposedly awesome. Like I said before, beingthat I'm not in town, I can't say that I've seen him play but that slight difference you hear in the BTO sound, may be that they finally are all on the same tempo :) I would expect that we will all give them the same support as we always have!!! Regina |
| By hebegebees on Saturday, May 29, 1999 - 01:11 pm: Edit |
CARLOOOOOOOS!!(insert "la bamba" substituting ricky with carlos...clever, aye?!) |
| By Jamie Tobitt on Friday, September 10, 1999 - 02:24 pm: Edit |
Here's our shows for the rest of SEPTEMBER. Come on out and decide about the new musicians yourself. 10 FRI: Tio Leos Lounge 5302 Napa St. San Diego (619) 542-1462 Play 9:00 - 1:00. 21+ www.tioleos.com 11 SAT: Street Scene Jazz Cabaret Stage located at 3rd and K St. festival's hotline, (619) 350-3333 BTO plays at about 5:30. www.street-scene.com 14 TUE: HARMONY ON 5TH. San Diego, CA. Play 7:00 - 10:00 322 5th Ave. (619) 702-8848 for reservations. www.harmonyonfifth.com 15 WED: Catamaran Hotel Cannibal Bar: San Diego, CA - Mission Beach 3999 Mission Boulevard (619) 539-8650 Expanded dance floor. Dance Lessons at 8:00 ($6)! Band starts at 9:30pm 21+ Get a coupon for $2 off the cover at www.sdreader.com 17 FRI: BELLY UP TAVERN. 143 S. Cedros Ave. Solona Beach, CA (619) 481-9022 21+ Double Fun Show with Candye Kane and the Swingin' Armadillos opening up first. This will be a great show. www.bellyup.com I-5 to Lomas Santa Fe Exit. Go west about ¾ miles. Left on CEDROS Ave. on RIGHT 18 SAT: Point Loma Village Cultural Fair Corner of Canon and Scott (Take Rosecrans to Canon and turn LEFT) Play 12 – 2 p.m. ALL AGES FREE SHOW. 21 TUE: HARMONY ON 5TH. San Diego, CA. Play 7:00 - 10:00 322 5th Ave. (619) 702-8848 for reservations. www.harmonyonfifth.com 22 WED: Catamaran Hotel Cannibal Bar: San Diego, CA - Mission Beach 3999 Mission Boulevard (619) 539-8650 Expanded dance floor. Dance Lessons at 8:00 ($6)! Band starts at 9:30pm 21+ Get a coupon for $2 off the cover at www.sdreader.com 25 SAT: Croce's Top Hat 802 5th Ave. Downtown San Diego (619) 233-4355 9:30 p.m. 21+ Food, Drinks and fun! www.croces.com 28 TUE: HARMONY ON 5TH. San Diego, CA. Play 7:00 - 10:00 322 5th Ave. (619) 702-8848 for reservations. www.harmonyonfifth.com 29 WED: The Derby, Hollywood, CA 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (213) 663-8979 Starting about 10:00 p.m.(Take 5 north, exit Los Feliz, Derby is at Hillhurst & Los Feliz). 21+ www.the-derby.com |
| By Ron on Friday, September 10, 1999 - 03:18 pm: Edit |
Expanded dance floor at the Catamaran? What does that mean... "we put the cardboard down for this show..."? |
| By Jamie Tobitt on Sunday, September 12, 1999 - 10:25 am: Edit |
I know... it wasn't up to us. For a couple of weeks they put a REAL expanded dance floor, then they stopped. The main reason I was told "it took us 4 hours to set up and take down the dance floor, and based on the ammount of money we make at the bar, its not worth the money it costs to pay the guys to set it up". Have you tried complaining to the Catamaran? Sorry, but complaining to the band about the cardboard won't fix anything. |
| By MelissaDC on Monday, September 13, 1999 - 05:42 am: Edit |
I visited the Catamaran when in San Diego. While BTO sounded great, the music during the breaks was awful. Dancers told me that they had complained and nothing had happened. Maybe the band could help? |
| By Ron on Monday, September 13, 1999 - 09:55 am: Edit |
I complained once or twice to the bar to no avail. The sound guy says he's not a DJ. But he's nice, sometimes I bring in a CD on the break and he'll play it. But I think the situation is better now, this last Wednesday they played the big band mix Oscillatin Rhythm, at decent volumes, on the breaks. That was a CD I'd brought in before, so maybe the sound guy, or mgmnt bought a copy. |
| By BTO news on Tuesday, October 26, 1999 - 05:02 pm: Edit |
Winner of the 1999 San Diego Magazine for Readers' Poll Best Band! |
| By Dennis Hong on Wednesday, October 27, 1999 - 11:03 am: Edit |
Hey all, BTO will be playing at the Catamaran for the last time this year (I've been told), so let's all go and make a good showing. The Cat is considering getting rid of swing nights altogether, so if a huge group shows up tonight, they may reconsider. Hope to see you all there, even all you anonymous incognito fellas. |
| By carlos on Thursday, October 28, 1999 - 06:07 pm: Edit |
As far as I know, there's still going to be swing at the Catamaran on Wednesday nights. Robert Fisher, the entertainment and beverage manager didn't give me any indication that they were ending the swing nights there. I know Freddie A and the Swing Machine will be there on November 3rd, and us Uptown Boys will be there on November 10th, so please come out and lend your support. This will be a first time show for the Uptown Boys, so we're pretty excited about really promoting our debut night there... maybe I'll bake a cake just for the occasion? Well, we'll see.... |
| By Dennis Hong on Thursday, October 28, 1999 - 06:26 pm: Edit |
Bake some pot brownies, and I'm there! Mmmmm. {8^)> |
| By BTO fan on Wednesday, November 17, 1999 - 03:44 pm: Edit |
What happened to BTO? They haven't listed any new gigs in well over a month, and now their website has no schedule at all? Anybody know what's going on? |
| By Anonymous on Wednesday, November 17, 1999 - 05:32 pm: Edit |
See debate on drinking and the marriott |
| By Ron on Tuesday, November 23, 1999 - 04:10 pm: Edit |
When's the new BTO album come out? |
| By Ron on Friday, January 07, 2000 - 11:08 am: Edit |
I enjoyed BTO at the Catamaran this last Wednesday a lot. However, it was mostly dancers. There weren't any groups of watchers/drinkers on the upper deck, which doesn't bode well. An out-of-towner also told me he enjoyed them, but thought the 11 minute long version of Sing, Sing, Sing was overly indulgent. I told him they play it every time, and that yes, most of us are sick of it. I know Marcus always dances to the entire thing, which is amazing, but everyone else mostly sits out. I know its nice for the band to have a song where they can do some extended solos, and I always enjoy the clarinet solo, but do they have to play it every time, and play it for so long? |
| By Reuben Brown on Friday, January 07, 2000 - 11:39 am: Edit |
"but do they have to play it every time, and play it for so long?" That was I say about all their songs. And all the other tunes they play for that matter. When are they going to figure out they are too dorky to even try to be like Cab? |
| By Ron on Friday, January 07, 2000 - 12:41 pm: Edit |
speaking of dorks... |
| By Reuben Brown on Friday, January 07, 2000 - 01:43 pm: Edit |
yes? |
| By 2XBlessed on Saturday, January 08, 2000 - 12:17 am: Edit |
Personally I think BTO is not that great anymore. It seems as though they have turned into a neo-swing band. I just don't find their music authentic enough. At one time, yes I did like them, but now it seems like they're getting too commercialized. I also expanded my knowledge as to what a good swing band is like. Back in the day everyone just danced to them because they were popular. I'm sure some people truly liked them and still enjoy listening to their music, that's just fine, but I'm just not liking it myself. Any input? |
| By Shawn Hanna on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 11:14 am: Edit |
From Warren, Hey guys, Rod at Tio Leo's just hired us to play on a tuesday night. Perhaps you can give him a call and promote this show on your site. He's bringing down a dance cat from LA. If I get any more info I'll let you know. On another note, we were almost torpedoed by a person named Gabe who posted that we weren't playing at the Catamaran and that the Catamaran was stopping swing events. The turnouts for Big Daddy Orchestra were so weak that we must have a strong pull tonight and next wednesday to offset the low turnout. As long as people show up...we'll be there. I've watched Orange County's swing scene die and I hope we aren't in line for that. We are currently looking for an all age venue we can produce. It would be great to have a dance instructor rotation. If we can pull together we'll make a bigger dent. |
| By Ron on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 12:51 pm: Edit |
BTO is playing this Friday night at Tio Leos, I see from the calendar, as well as this Wed. at the Catamaran. A Tuesday at Tios is unusual.. |
| By NancyAnne on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 03:13 pm: Edit |
Warren, Tonight at the Cat. please play Ella's "At Dukes Place"!!! Thank You! |
| By Andy on Wednesday, February 16, 2000 - 03:35 pm: Edit |
I kiss you! |
| By NancyAnne on Friday, March 03, 2000 - 05:39 pm: Edit |
Newsflash.......Big Time Operator is featured on a two-page photo spread in the current (March) issue of Esquire Magazine in full color national exposure. The Esquire called the Derby in L.A. asking for a photogenic band. They wanted to do a fashion article with pictures of a Swing Big Band. Has anyone seen this yet? |
| By Warren Lovell on Tuesday, March 07, 2000 - 08:27 am: Edit |
Tonight at Tio Leo's: BIG TIME OPERATOR. We start at 9:00pm and I do believe the gentleman instructing is Bill Milland(?)out of L.A. And there should be some L.A.dancers coming down as well so it could be a great opportunity to check out some different styles. |
| By Big Time Operator on Tuesday, March 07, 2000 - 08:32 am: Edit |
Humphrey's Lounge Shelter Island this friday nite! BIG TIME OPERATOR performs. Club has a nice dance floor, and is a great place to see the band. Bring a date and order up a dinner. Our website is back in working order WITH schedule. Jamie Tobitt will be playing again with us this Saturday at Croces. |
| By Gabe on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 08:50 am: Edit |
The calander said BTO was playing last nite, but I should of called, BTO cancelled, Big Daddy Orchestra was playing instead. I was with someone from out of town, and they wanted to see a swing band, so I relented, against my better judgement. Anyways, Big Daddy Orchestra. The singer starts off by yelling "Who's your Daddy?" From there several BBVD and CPD classics were performed. (I didn't stay long enough to hear their other muscial influences). Somehow, I felt like I was in Vegas, at a lounge act. The singer in his bright pin-stripped zoot-suit caused the phrase "zoot suit riot" to roll around. But luckily, the assembled dancers there danced away. I witnessed multiple scary airials on the crowded dance floor, Bleyers in every direction, and all your favorite SD lounge lizards were there in force, maybe a reunion. Ahh, swing. Sometimes, you got to laugh with or at ourselves. |
| By John P. Cooper on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 09:07 am: Edit |
Gabe : See below : Music - awesome band! From: PETER LOGGINS It seems ******** style is spreading: http://www.sdswingshift.com |
| By Ron on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 09:31 am: Edit |
Looking at their play list, that sdswingshift band looks yucky. What's up with all those Chicago songs? And I'm so glad I didn't go to Big Daddy Orchestra. We just don't have too many good bands in these parts. |
| By Gabe on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 10:56 am: Edit |
Ha ha ha. Swingshift. Yo daddy yo! Ron, we have some good bands. Bob Gordon trio and Dirty Bourbon, to name a couple. But they can't seem to get a public gig. I'm still suprised at the emergence of these novelty act bands. Something almost cartoonish about their demeaner. Any fans of these of these or other entertainment style bands care to offer an opinion or explanation? |
| By John P. Cooper on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 11:10 am: Edit |
No, but I do have an observation : What some of these less than ideal bands offer and which many of the best musical bands do not, is a sense of visual activity. It's one thing to listen to a recording where, for all you know, the guys are dressed in ripped jeans and t-shirts, but when on the stand, a band truly benefits from a sense of visual style. The music is THE most important thing, BUT giving the public something to look at has been lacking in our finest bands. If you ever take a seat in the audience and focus on a great LA band and just look at them, you'll note there there is very little stage presence and no sense of visual magic and attraction. I can some LA bands that need very little in the way of *musical* improvement, but would benefit highly from a bit of stagecraft and choreography. |
| By Gabe on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 11:21 am: Edit |
My observations concur. Stage presence can really set one band ahead of the rest. Last time I saw Dean Mora's Modern Rythmists, we spoke on this very subject. He is presently weighing the benefits of dropping the 30's getup and swithching to a purple zoot-suit feather-in-hat ensemble and learning how to curl his hair and wave it like Cab Calloway. |
| By John P. Cooper on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 11:30 am: Edit |
Gabe, Although I know you are 'joking', others may not. I am sure Dean Mora has no such intention and those who may take your joke in seriouness, should know that it is not true. |
| By Thelonious Monkey on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 12:39 pm: Edit |
In attempts to improve our visual image, The Dirty Bourbon Band is considering changing our name to "Thelonious Monkey and the Swinging Bonobos." We'll dress like apes, serve bannana-based pastries, and offer a LIVE sex show with two Rhesus Macaques. Rob |
| By HopMichael on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 12:51 pm: Edit |
ROTFL! |
| By Ron on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 01:17 pm: Edit |
Cool! When's the first show? |
| By Natalie Roy on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 02:15 pm: Edit |
I think there is a definite difference between a band of musicians and an "act". Personally, I would prefer better musicianship than theater. Particularly if I'm out to dance, I'm going to be looking at my partner, rather than the band - although I think players are interesting enough to look at without any sequins or wild arm movements. |
| By HopMichael on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 02:44 pm: Edit |
Natalie, Wild arm movements? Theater? I highly recommend you check out Lee Press-on and the Nails tonight at Tio Leo's. For over the top concert theatrics, you can't beat this group! =) |
| By Gabe on Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 03:42 pm: Edit |
So Rob, so what will be the new changes? I thought that's how you guys always perform :P I think you guys could use some more neon. Remind me to lend you Dennis' green zoot-suit and his Bleyers for your next gig. |
| By Ian Campbell on Friday, March 31, 2000 - 09:39 am: Edit |
Rob will be dressed in drag for starters... |
| By Thelonious Monkey on Monday, April 03, 2000 - 10:10 am: Edit |
I agree with what most of you said. It's better to focus on the music. But man can LPN put on a show! We'll be making that change slowly. Because of our "all-monkey" theme, I won't be wearing a dress to our performances Ian. However, anyone who wishes to touch macaque will get to. Rob |
| By Shawn Hanna on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 08:15 am: Edit |
Come see Big Time Operator play in one of the finest venues in San Diego, Viejas Casino (619.445.5400 or viejas.com); Saturday (5/6, my b-day) night from 9pm-1am. If you haven't been there, you NEED to check it out. With a first class sound system, stage, and dance floor (the band's not bad either), you'll agree it's worth the drive. Travel east on I-8 to Willows Rd, and follow the signs. Hope to see you guys there. Consider it my birthday present. I'll be 18. -Shannon Dailey BTO trombonist and internet correspondent |
| By Jane Hance on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 10:42 am: Edit |
All of that is true. But it's so smokey there. Yuk. |
| By Shawn Hanna on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 10:47 am: Edit |
Wow, they allow smoking indoors there? |
| By Natalie Roy on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 01:03 pm: Edit |
Is anybody going? |
| By HopMichael on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 01:33 pm: Edit |
Is that (smoking allowed) b/c it's technically on a reservation, and hence, tribal sovereignty trumps state law? |
| By CatThyme on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 02:02 pm: Edit |
Perhaps BTO isn't playing in the casino's bar or restaurant? I haven't looked at the text of the smoking law in a very long time... But I think the one California voted on covered restaurants and bars... If they're playing in a room that's not a restaurant or a bar, that might explain why they might allow smoking. I've never been to Viejas, so I don't know where they're playing there. |
| By Amy Lawrence on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 04:27 pm: Edit |
I have been to Viejas, and let me just tell you: My mom and I took a five minute walk through the casino to look around, and we smelled like cigarettes for the rest of the day. Val, there are only two areas open to the public at Viejas: the outlet mall (which is wonderful!) and the casino. There is a Dream Catcher Lounge in the casino, where bands who visit there play. I don't really think that there is any other place. |
| By Jttrbug1939 (Jttrbug1939) on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 05:16 pm: Edit |
I think its in the lounge and there is no cover. |
| By Jane Hance on Saturday, May 06, 2000 - 09:39 am: Edit |
Yes, there is definately smoking there. It's because it is not "state" governed property (just like the military bases, covered by Federal law only, still allow smoking in bars/restaurants). And no-smoking sections are a joke. When I've been there, there have even been the rude few who bring their cigarettes (and drinks) right onto the dance floor! But if that doesn't bother you, the set-up and sound system is really good. And the dance floor is nice. Maybe if whole bunch of dancers got their early and occupied all the tables surrounding the dance floor it would be a little bit better. |
| By Bill B on Sunday, May 07, 2000 - 09:42 am: Edit |
FYI I went to the 9-10 pm set of BTO at Viejas. Very large dance floor. Great sound and lighting. Air conditioned. No smoking. Drinks were $3. No minimun. No cover. How much better can it get? P.S. No lindy hoppers were there. |
| By Jane Hance on Monday, May 08, 2000 - 09:27 am: Edit |
How did they manage the no smoking? Was it posted? Or were there just no smokers there? |
| By SDSK on Monday, May 08, 2000 - 10:56 am: Edit |
I don't know what Bill is talking about. There were defiantly people smoking there and there were lindy hoppers there. I was there and I lindy hop, I just didn't get to dance with any leads that knew anything but East Coast. He's right about no cover, no minimum, air conditioned, large dance floor, great sound & lighting. |
| By Bill B on Monday, May 08, 2000 - 12:54 pm: Edit |
Jane and SDSK, I was only there for the first hour set of music. There was no "no smoking" posted, but I saw no smokers in my area and, more importantly, it did not smell of smoke. There were no Lindy Hoppers out there during the first set. If they were around, they must have been disguised as empty seats. |
| By Jttrbug1939 (Jttrbug1939) on Monday, May 08, 2000 - 06:18 pm: Edit |
trust me there was smoke, my lungs are stil hating me for it today :) |
| By Anonymous on Monday, May 29, 2000 - 10:32 am: Edit |
In celebration of Byron's birthday, there will be a couples dance contest at the June 7th Big Time Operator show. The winning couple will receive a $50 prize. Dress vintage. Cake will be served. -Sylvia Farrens |
| By Ron on Monday, May 29, 2000 - 05:39 pm: Edit |
Who is Byron? June 7th would be next Wednesday at the Catamaran... |
| By Sohhh (Sohhh) on Tuesday, May 30, 2000 - 09:54 am: Edit |
From Sylvia, Let me try to explain who Byron is. Most people know him as the man who has amnesia from an accident. After his accident he returned to swing because that was what his family knew he liked to do. He has been out of town for a while and has been back for over a month now. He normally wears a hat and he hangs out with BTO. Some people called him Uncle Byron, but now he has dropped the Uncle and just goes by Byron. |
| By Joe M on Tuesday, May 30, 2000 - 09:18 pm: Edit |
Byron is a cool guy. He runs, what I hear to be, a great swing club up in Sacramento that books BTO, Frankie, Lavay, Hot Shots. You can ask Lorraine, she is a good friend of his. I am sure it will be a good time at the Catamaran. Joe |
| By HopMichael on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 - 01:43 pm: Edit |
OK, now I know who Byron is. But the amnesia story, please elucidate. |
| By Swingbaby on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 - 07:53 pm: Edit |
BTO to be in Ben Affleck movie? Anyone else heard about this? |
| By Joe M on Thursday, June 01, 2000 - 08:20 pm: Edit |
According to Byron. BTO is the band in the new James Camron, director of the "titantic", movie. They were cast while playing at the Derby. You might have noticed the drummer's recent hair cut (no more pony tail). They apparently were playing one of the songs written for the movie. Not their own. Choosen because the orignial band had members that were considered too old. Did not know whether they will be getting their name in the credits. The scene took place on the Queen Mary or is it Queen Elizabeth. Movie might be called Perl Harbor. I thought that was already taken! Also, Byron got to be one of the dancers. Joe |
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