October 2026 music w/ John Baboian
Hi Friends, October seems to come around more quickly every year. Summer is officially over, and Fall is here. Weird weather so far. Lots of chilly rain last week, and then today it was mid to high 80’s. And then, back to the 50’s in the next couple of days with a chance of “frost” next week. Never a dull moment.
Just heard that the Topsfield Fair is happening this week. An interesting story from my distant past. My parents used to take us to the fair just about every year. One year, around 1965, we went up there for the fair, and on the sign was the announcement, tonight: The Duke Ellington Orchestra. There among the pigs, sheep and cows, was the Duke and his band! We stuck around for it. There were maybe around 20 people in the audience. I think I remember us playing 50cents extra to get into the concert. Duke treated it as any other gig and played a wonderful concert. I remember the “aura” in seeing and hearing him. I remember one of the “Sonny’s” on the drums spinning his sticks. I remember Cootie Williams sitting in the back corner, coming out for a few songs playing “plunger” solos. (Look it up). One of the first concerts in my memory.
Well, in last month’s newsletter, I mentioned that the Sox were destined for the playoffs, but, which team would show up? The terrible one from the beginning of the season, or the great one from the middle of the season. Well, we know which one showed up, and it wasn’t pretty…..And to have to lose that way to the dreaded Yankees makes it feel all that much worse.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but I can’t figure out why the manager took out the starting pitchers so early. They were pitching well still, and what happened to the relief was disastrous. Well, as we always used to say before 2024, “wait until next year”.
Patriots?? What the heck is going on with them? That loss last week was awful. And Drake Maye doesn’t look like at all like the mvp candidate from last year. Could it be Mac Jones again??
Celtics and Bruins just getting started...
A lighter than usual month, which can be welcome at times, with some fun gigs ahead.
We have an early Halloween gig at the Mosesian next week. It may seem early, but I remember CVS starting to have decorations and candy out in the aisles in August!!
Hope you can make a gig or two…..
Thanks, Johnny B!!!!!
www. johnbaboian.com www.bebopguitars.com
Thursday, October 8 7:30 - 9:30 PM
The John Baboian Ensemble with a Spooky Jazz Concert
Consumes encouraged
JB-guitar & voice, Daniel Ian Smith-woodwinds, Rich Greenblatt-vibes
Bruce Gertz-bass, Larry Finn-drums
Mosesian Center for the Arts
321 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472
www.mosesianarts.org 617-923-0100
Tickets $45
Saturday, October 17 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Yas Ishibashi-keyboard & voice, JB-guitar, Mark Pucci-bass
Hanami Sushi Bar & Grille
89 Trapelo Rd., Belmont, MA
www.izakayahanami.com 617-693-8048
Sunday, October 18 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Danny Harrington (bari sax), JB (guitar) Duo
Loretta Restaurant, 15 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA
www.lorettarestaurant.com 978-463-0000
Saturday, October 24 12:00 noon - 7:00 PM
First Armenian Church Fall Festival
Great Armenian food throughout the day.
I will be playing music from the stage throughout the day.
First Armenian Church
380 Concord Ave., Belmont, MA 02478