The Ron Keely Band

Mojo Gypsy and my self June 20th

2009-06-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

River Ridge RV Wkd Gvwy
Join Tony Gates for the 2nd annual WLAV weekend at RIVER RIDGE RV RESORT, June 19 thru 21.
Listen to Tony Gates in the afternoon to win an AMERICAN RV for the weekend.
Activities include Live music from "Reminiscing" on Friday & "MoJo Gypsy" on Saturday, activities, games & great food from SNYDERS MARKET CATERING.
Make your reservations now by calling 1-877-287-4837
Cost is only $48.00
Check out our sponsors:
Click here for River Ridge Resort
Click here for Snyders Market Catering
Click here for American RV

Should I?

2009-06-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

Gray Day, Sunny Outlook

2009-06-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

Gray Day, Sunny Outlook
It doesn't look to nice out there. Over cast skies, wet sand and puddles in the driveway. Water logged trees standing limp and dripping from last nights storms. There's a dark aura being blown around by the unseasonable winds. I sit in a dark room. My face reflecting the shades of blue from my computer screen. Simultaneously looking for places to gig and places to live. My spirits might be dampened by the fact that I probably didn't make the AGT trials this year, but no. I've been around long enough to know when not to get my hopes up until things are confirmed. Besides, I've gotten some great PR trying for it and really, all you can do is try. The only failure is not to try. No, my spirits are high. I am embarking on a new level of musicianship. I have a tangible promotional tool being my CD and it has been listened to all over the world. I still jam with some of the best musicians in West Michigan on a regular basis and I'm meeting people from all over on a daily basis thanks to the internet. No, I'm not down in the dumps, life is good.This week will be dedicated to finding new places to gig. It will be tricky due to the transportation aspect of my life right now, but not impossible.I haven't picked up as many parties this year as I had hoped, but I continue to get a heads up on many locations with live entertainment on the deck, or good clubs staged inside. I intend to promote the CD by looking for good clubs that have original artists as well as good places to play cover gigs. I know they are out there. I'm sitting next to list a mile long. I'm going to branch out of the west Michigan area this time and hit some clubs further north and south. There are some scheduling conflicts being hashed out presently so please be patient. If you're confused just shoot me an email and i'll set you straight. Cheers

Last FM Tracks

2009-06-03T13:50:00.001-07:00

FanBridge.com - Free Email and Mobile Fan List Management For Bands

2009-05-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

FanBridge.com - Free Email and Mobile Fan List Management For Bands

New blog from John Gonzalez

2009-05-27T05:49:00.001-07:00

David Cook fan is auditioning for 'America's Got Talent'
by John Gonzalez The Grand Rapids Press
Tuesday May 26, 2009, 4:19 PM
In March, I wrote a blog about a David Cook fan who wanted to do something special for her mother, who is also a big David Cook fan and who is fighting a courageous battle against cancer. Daughter Jessica Eluskie wanted to buy tickets to Cook's Sept. 15 performance at the Allegan County Fair for her mom, Linda Humbarger. And we helped her get tickets when they went on sale.

Since then I have stayed in contact with Jessica, and she reports that mom remains strong and still hopes to see David in concert later this year. But Jessica also reports that her brother-in-law, Ron Keely, has been inspired since our writing to relaunch his aspiring singing career.
You see, as part of the story, we posted an audio clip of the brother-in-law, who sounds a bit like David Cook. And fans from around the world have been encouraging Ron to record a CD.
"He is refreshed and more eager to get on with his career," Jessica said. "Things have seemed to fallen into place with him, and instead of putting his music on the back burner, he in fact just spent (the other day) in the recording studio working on his CD. (And) we taped an audition video for 'America's Got Talent' and we will get it submitted today.
"It has been refreshing helping him with this journey, in light of my simple inquiry about concert tickets so I could take my mom, to everything Ron has accomplished this last month and a half. So again I will have to say thank you."
She said the news of David Cook's brother losing his battle with cancer hit the family pretty hard.
"That was hard news to take and makes my mom's cancer battle a reality. She too, was sad to hear of his passing but, knew he wasn't suffering any longer. For David to continue with his 5k run for the Race For Hope in DC, was astonishing and almost unbelievable. It takes a hell of a man to do that while his heart was breaking. It is his purpose, I do believe to continue his fundraising efforts in order to cure cancer."
In fact, Cook's live performance of "Permanent" as part of the season 8 finale of "American Idol" was made available to iTunes with all proceeds from the sale going to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.
As for Ron, he's busy polishing his skills. Maybe he'll get a chance to meet David Cook in September.
Here are a couple of songs from Ron Keely:
"Forever in Our Hearts"
"Sheila"
E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com
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Life in the big city

2009-05-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

May 26, 2009 - Tuesday
Life in the big city....
Well, Good and bad news on my end this week. The good news is I'm picking up gigs left and right and meeting all sorts of new musicians through the advent of web technology and jam sessions! But, unfortunately, in this line of work, the music Gods giveth and taketh away. I feel real bad for my friends at Rack's Bar and Grill. I know they tried to make something of that bar and gave it a valiant effort. I commend them for that and it has been a pleasure to befriend them. Yes, I believe Racks is no more. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors! Thank you for everything!I have been working with a dozen or so top notch musicians for the past couple of years and this circle of friends branches out in every direction on a weekly basis. I have been very fortunate to have met and jammed with such quality. I am involved with two solid bands, have a pretty solid solo career and still have my duos with a great harmonica player. I am pretty damn lucky. I also have one of the bestest sister-in-laws I could ever hope to. Jessica Eluskie has really went to bat for me on the web and has single handedly designed many first class web pages with my mug and my music to be viewed internationally. I'm forever grateful!As this has been the most lucrative spring and summer since I decided to jump back into the music scene two years ago, I stand in awe and have to take it all in with a deep breath and a sigh of relief. Looking forward to the next phase of my career!

New Drummer

2009-05-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

New Drummer
Today at 4:15pm
New Drummer OMFG!!!!!Mojo gypsy has a new drummer, Al Mac. He has played two gigs with us and he is so in! He beats on a jimbaye like a madman and has many tasteful licks. He's great, and a welcome additon to our line up. As things stand right now, Mojo Gypsy consists of: Me, Al Hallengren(Bass/Vocals), Devin Hallengren(Drums/Vocals), Jim Marcusse (Harmonica/Vocals), Al Mac(Percussionist), Scott Brightup(Drums/Vocals). Devin is in league with the Guiness Brothers Band who are very popular and busy and Scott is the drummer for the Just Jake Band who are screaming busy as well. When one can't make it, I'll call on the other. Mojo Gypsy has become quite a sight to see, and listen to. We are grade A music and have a lot of fun together. All members are extremely talented and I'm proud to know the bunch. The next step with this group is a rocking CD! Look out world, here come the GYPSY!!! Until next time, remember to sing, smile and have a good time!

Rollin Along

2009-05-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2009 - Friday
Rollin Along
How ya'll are? My music world is rollin along nicely. The new CD is finished and the reviews are good. The summer is booking up nicely including an WLAV/Miller Lite Sponsored event in Stanwood Mi. on June 20th. My manager (Jessica Eluskie) has posted me all over the world on seemingly every possible web site avaliable, which is very cool. My myspace has over 11,000 hits and my facebook page includes some of the music videos Jess and I made. I haven't heard back from America's Got Talent since they sent me an email verifying that they recieved my entry so I've got my fingers and big long toes crossed in anticipation.Mojo Gypsy, which is me, Al Hallengren(Bass) and Jim Marcusse(Harmonica) might be getting a new drummer, Al. Another Al? Can I cope? We're going to jam tonight and see if we can mesh. I'm thinking it will go well, Al has jammed with many great musicians for many years and has a great attitude. Adding a drummer who plays mostly hand drums such as Jimbays and Congas is a new avenue for me that I've always wanted to explore. It's an element that will blend great with my new acoustic sound. I look forward to some great jams and some musical experimentation with Al.I am hoping to promote the new CD with Mojo Gypsy. Incorporating original songs is an exciting venture and I look forward to the input from the other members making the songs our songs instead of mine.Thank you all for the support and kindness and I hope to see ya'll at some shows. If you run into Jessica online, be sure to send her a cocktail, she deserves it!

WLAV Bash "sponsered event"

2009-05-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Join Mojo Gypsy featuring me "Ron Keely" at the WLAV Bash on June 20th, @ 7:00 P.M. at the River Ridge RV Park in Stanwood.

June 19-20
Fathers Day and WLAV Day Weekend **Craft Gifts for Dad **Annual Fathers Day Pancake Breakfast (Dad’s are free) **Golf **WLAV broadcasting at RRR **Carnival games **Bounce house **Prizes for kids, teens, adults **Live Music

I will be shooting some video's later

2009-05-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today, I will be shooting video for my upcoming album that I will be recording tomorrow. I am also going to shoot a video of a cover song to send into America's Got Talent.

Studio time

2009-05-01T13:15:00.003-07:00

8:21am on April 11, 2009

I'm finally booked to get into the studio. The new compilation will include Johnny's song, Shawnas song, Sheila's song and some new stuff. The album will be called The Impact of Waves. There should be seven tracks, at least. and it will be high quality recording. I want to put a collage of pictures on the cover including Johnny and my late granfather, Jim Mckeown, whose song is called Missing Parts. If things go well it will be done by the end of April. If things go to shit, well, maybe the end of May. Cheers

Frog

2009-05-01T13:15:00.001-07:00

8:21am on April 11, 2009

Well,I have a frog in my throat. Literally. I have a show this friday at Latitiudes and my voice is a mess. Thats life in the big city I guess. Nevertheless, I'm going to dedicate Johnny's song at midnight on friday in leiu of his 40th birthday. Happy birthday old man! Hears to you!It looks as though the web page is up and running. Thanx Jess. I'll just have to maintain and update things as I go. Hope to see ya'll at latitudes. Cheers

Reviews from Forever in our hearts

2009-05-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Reviews from Forever in our hearts8:20am on April 11, 2009
Ron here are some of the reviews that I got from this song.

Jessica Wow, that is a powerful song; thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!

That song can really get to one. Made me cry

And your brother ron's voice is awesome.

Wow, that was powerful! I loved the words and his singing too. Thank you for sharing it.

Ron sounded great.

When I listened to "Permanent" the first time, so many memories flooded my heart I thought I'd never stop crying! Being the moderator of this site I think I can say I would love for you to bring the link over for your brother-in-law's song.

Jessica, that song is beyond words!!! What a beautiful tribute to your brother's memory! Thanks again for sharing!!

What a beautiful song by your brother-in-law! I listened with a smile through my tears . . .although it is so sad to lose your beloved brother, the love you all felt for him was evident in the words and music, and Ron's voice, and he will live on in your hearts, I know. The emotional openness and vulnerability of the song reminded me so much of David and his emotional honesty, in Permanent, TWIK, and when he speaks.

Your brothers song is absolutely gorgeous and that was a gift also. I'm sure David understands exactly how you feel,

But that song, "Forever In Our Hearts" - absolutely amazing... I love the message it gives

The song is lovely. I really identify with the words and the message, as I lost my brother in 2004. He loved to hunt and fish.

Beauiful song.

I like that song...who sings it???

listened to your BIL's song which was gorgeous

Very nice site, Jessica! He has such a nice voice; hope you can get more of his music on there soon!

David Cook has the greatest fans

2009-05-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Mlive.com blog8:19am on April 11, 2009
Mlive.com
David Cook has the greatest fans; Allegan County Fair presale code

Posted by [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256by9hYm91dC5odG1sJohn Gonzalez The Grand Rapids Press [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256by9hYm91dC5odG1s March 24, 2009 19:47PM
Categories: American Idol [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256by9hbWVyaWNhbl9pZG9sLw=], Concert news [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256by9jb25jZXJ0X25ld3Mv, Featured [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256by9mZWF0dXJlZC8], Music [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256by9tdXNpYy8]
Update: Jessica was kind enough to share with us this very personal song written by her brother-in-law, which he sang at her brother Johnny's funeral."If you have listened to any David Cook music, I hope you can hear what we hear," Jessica said in an e-mail she sent to me this morning. "My brother was the life of the party and lived life to the fullest everyday."The song is called: "Forever in Our Hearts." Listen here: ....
"American" Idol winner David Cook has some of the greatest fans, no question. Take Jessica Eluskie, of Canadian Lakes in Mecosta County, for example. She e-mailed me recently, simply asking if I had a presale code for Cook's Allegan County Fair [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmFsbGVnYW5jb3VudHlmYWlyLm5ldC9lbnRlcnRhaW5tZW50Lmh0bWw] date Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday through StarTickets and the Allegan box office."I was wondering if by chance you might be able to come up with the presale code for David Cook's upcoming concert at the Allegan County Fair," she wrote in her e-mail. "I am wanting to take my mom, who is a two-time cancer survivor, and she is a huge David Cook fan along with myself."[img:http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/opinion_impact/2008/05/gonzoblog.png] [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vYmxvZy5tbGl2ZS5jb20vZ29pbmdnb256bw=]I often get these types of calls and letters from fans who tell me their stories. All of them are worthy of attention. Most ask for backstage passes or free tickets to the show. It's not something I can easily arrange, and I forward the requests to each venue's management or maybe the act's publicist.But with Jessica, I was struck that she was only asking for the presale code. Nothing more."I know all of his venues have sold out almost immediately, and I would love to get a hold of a few tickets so I can take her. I honestly don't know what her circumstances will be in September."I immediately called Terry Bonnell, the manager of the Allegan County Fair, who said a presale deal was worked out with WLHT-FM (95.7). I know Program Director Jerry "JT" Tarrants because I'm frequently on the air with the morning show, "Barnaby and Friends."JT said all fans have to do is sign up to be a Lite On Line (LOL) member [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd2xodC5jb20vOTU3RU1haWxDbHViL3RhYmlkLzEzNDMvRGVmYXVsdC5hc3B4, and they would be given a presale password code. A link on the WLHT homepage [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LndsaHQuY29tLw=] should have more details Wednesday morning. (FYI: I just got a text message from Brook Taylor of the Tommy and Brook Morning Show at Star 105.7 who says her station also has a presale code. Go to their site [http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnN0YXIxMDU3b25saW5lLmNvbS9wYWdlcy90b21teWFuZGJyb29rLmh0bWw] for more info.)I gave Jessica the link, and she signed up this afternoon; she was thankful to get the information and excited to get tickets before they go on sale to the public. The presale begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday.But the reporter in me wanted to know more about Jessica and her mom.Courtesy Photos Jessica EluskieJessica Eluskie and her family took her mother, Linda Humbarger, on vacation out West to the Grand Canyon in 2006. Jessica said her mother is Linda Humbarger, 54, of Howard City; Jessica is the youngest of three children. Her father, Randy, passed away in 2000 from the autoimmune disease Lupus.After Linda was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006, the family went on a vacation out West to see the Grand Canyon and the ocean."Once she found out she had cancer, she had herself dead and buried in a month," Jessica said. "The trip gave her something to look forward to."Jessica Eluskie, left, with her mom, Linda Humbarger, at Eluskie's wedding in 2002. About the time David Cook was making noise on Season 7 of "American Idol," Linda had another setback; brain cancer, and the radiation treatments were taking their toll.Oddly, everyone in the family, including older sister Sheila Keely, noticed how "American Idol" rocker David Cook sounded like Sheila's husband Ron, an aspiring singer and songwriter."They have the same styles; every time I hear (David ) I think of my brother-in-law, and my mom thinks the same thing. I keep telling my brother-in-law there's hope, you just have to be at the right place at the right time."Ron wrote a song in memory of Johnny Kronberg, Linda's son who died from drowning in the summer of 2007, on his daughter's 19th birthday. That also connected with the family since David Cook dedicated a performance on "Idol" to his brother Adam, who suffers from brain cancer."It it was kind of nice to see somebody in the limelight, who is a real person, who has to deal family issues like we do," Jessica said.As for Jessica, she just hopes mom Linda can be in good health when Cook performs on Sept. 15 at the Allegan County Fair."She's not in greatest health right now," Jessica said. "We're seeing the side effects of the radiation, like short-term memory loss, loss of appetite and her personality has changed."But to see David Cook in concert would mean a lot to both of them."I know this will give her something to look forward to," Jessica said. "This will help her get through it."When I asked Jessica if I could write about her in my blog, she obliged and even sent me some photos."I think that would be a great idea, especially since today is my mom's b-day. Her third birthday since her first cancer diagnosis. What a great tribute that would be (with tears in my eyes). ...This will make a great memory for her."Happy birthday, Linda.E-mail John Gonzalez: jgonzalez@grpress.com [mailto:jgonzalez@grpress.com]

Finally

2009-05-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

8:18am on April 11, 2009

Finally....... It only took two years and a couple well placed, righteous kicks to get my brother-in-laws song and some info on to this myspace, not to mention a whole lotta help from Jess. I still have some to do but the important stuff seems to be here.

Upcoming Gigs

2009-05-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Sportsman Bar
Thursday, May 28 @ 8:00 PM
Newaygo, Michigan

Cheers
Friday, Jun 19 @ 7:00 PM
Grand Rapids, Michigan

The River Ridge Resort
Saturday, June 20th @ 7:00-11:00 P.M.
22265 8 Mile Road
Stanwood, Michigan
(This is a WLAV/Miller Lite sponsered event
with Mojo Gypsy featuring me 'Ron Keely')
There is a $3.00 cover charge unless you are purchasing the the whole event package for $48.00

The Sportsmans Bar and Grill
Thursday June 25th @ 7:00 P.M.
30 State Street Newaygo

Bitely Tavern
Friday June 26th @ 9:00 P.M.
2386 E Main St

Al's Birthday bash
Saturday June 27th @ 12:00 P.M.
Rockford

Bitely Tavern
Friday July 10th @ 8:00 P.M.
2386 E Main Street
Bitely, Michigan

The Score Sports Bar and Grill
Tuesday, July 14th @ 6:30 P.M.
5301 Northland Drive NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Chubby's
Tuesday, Jul 21 @ 8:30 PM
Wyoming, Michigan

Gregory's Grille
Friday, July 24 @ 7:00 PM
Canadian Lakes, Michigan

Southern Grand Marina
Saturday, July 25 @ 9:00 PM
Grand Haven, Michigan

Gregory's Grill
Friday, July 31 @ 7:00 PM
Canadian Lakes, Michigan

Klikred CD Release Party (Coocheez's)
Saturday, August 1 @ 9:00 PM
Morley, Michigan

The Score Sports Bar and Grill
Wednesday, August 5 @ 7:00 PM
Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Score Sports Bar and Grill
Monday, August 10 @ 7:00 PM
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Gregory's Grille
Friday, August 14 @ 7:00 PM
Canadian Lakes, Michigan

The Score Sports Bar and Grill
Monday, August 17 @ 7:00 PM
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Chubby's
Tuesday, Aug 18 @ 8:30 PM
Wyoming, Michigan

Bitely Tavern
Friday, August 28th, @ 8:00 P.M.
2386 E Main Street
Bitely, Michigan

Bitely Tavern
Friday, September 4th @ 8:00 P.M.
2386 E Main Street
Bitely, Michigan

Gregory's Grille
Saturday, September 5th @ 7:00 PM
Canadian Lakes, Michigan

The Score Sports Bar and Grill
Tuesday, September 8th @ 6:30 P.M.
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Chubby's
Tuesday, Sep 15 @ 8:30 PM
Wyoming, Michigan

Bitely Tavern
Friday, September 26th @ 8:00 P.M.
2386 E Main Street
Bitely, Michigan

Bitely Tavern
Friday, October 31st @ 8:00 P.M.
2386 E Main Street
Bitely, Michigan

Bitely Tavern
Friday, November 21st @ 8:00 P.M.
2386 E Main Street
Bitely, Michigan