Re: [Harp-L] how much was a marine band when you started?

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

On Jul 20, 2009, at 1:37 PM, michael rubin wrote: TO SAM BLANCATO

> Sam,
> I lived in Squirrel Hill in 1981.  I was maybe 12.  Lived on Linden
> Lane, went to Linden Elementary and SHady Side Academy middle school.

smo-joe:  Linden lane, off Linden Av, overlooking Wilkins. A pool  
shooter buddy of mine's (Bernie Schwartz) family owned a delicatessen  
there. You must have had connections to go to SSA, all MY Jewish  
friends went to Taylor-Allderdice. (I went to Peabody).
Swam against Allderdice. They had the best team in the city.

> My Dad ran the Jewish Community Centers.

smo-joe:  The YCI on Murray Ave.

>   There was always the 21 year old guy running around town blowing  
> harmonica.  I thought he was the
> COOLEST!  I remember saying to my Dad, "That's what I want to do when
> I grow up!"  Hey, maybe that was you!
> Michael Rubin
> Michaelrubinharmonica.com
smo-joe:  You would be too young to remember Shadyside. I used to  
play there with the Gene Ludwig organ trio. George Benson played  
guitar. I used to shoot pool with his big brother Arthur (schoolboy)  
Benson. That was at the Fox. Across the street I would sit in with  
the Harold Betters quintet. That was at the Encore. Harold on bone, I  
on trumpet.
Harold had a drummer (Biddie Freed). I currently play harp down here  
in Fla with her son (on B3). Then we would go over to the Gazebo for  
N.Y. cheesecake and latte.

Ain't it funny how time slips away.  smokey-joe