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Posts published by “Jeff Costello”

Nitrous Vaudeville

In the early 70s we all knew that cocaine was the “greediest” drug. Marin County was giving birth to the yuppie phenomenon, and young, hyper-ambitious squares with stock portfolios, who “wanted it all now,” were…

The Howard Belkamp File, Part 1

Edited by Peggy Shaw HOW AN ALIAS IS BORN: THE HOWARD BELKAMP STORY Back in the early 80s, I understood there was a story that needed to be told, and I would have to be…

How an Alias was Born: The Howard Belkamp Story

Back in the early 80s, I understood there was a story that needed to be told, and I would have to be the one to do it. This story was called Redleg Boogie Blues and…

The Redleg Boogie Blues (Part 1)

INTRODUCTION After eight years in rock and roll bands on the east coast, living in motels and doing everything from playing frat parties and low-life bars to backing popular singers and working as a session…

The Redleg Boogie Blues (Part 6)

SERGEANT BILL Sgt. Bill was a rare cop. He used to park his cruiser in a vacant lot near one of our illegally-placed landing docks, and watch the boats go by. I first met him…

The Redleg Boogie Blues (Part 5)

HEAVY DUTY CRUNCH BAND IN COMBAT CONDITIONS The band seemed to thrive on what we came to call “combat conditions.” When other groups fussed about inadequate or faulty sound systems, made sure their hair was…

The Redleg Boogie Blues (Part 4)

RIP TORN BOMBS OUT AT THE BERMUDA PALMS The upper level of the Charles Van Damme was occupied by Chris Roberts, an artist with a vision so grand that he was considered insane even by…

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