'Talent hits a target no one else can hit; genius hits a target no one else can see."
- Arthur Schopenhauer
THE RANGER REPORT - JULY 2025 - The Official Newsletter of The Mighty Manatees Medicine Show "Celebrating 39 Years of One Song At A Time"
ANNUAL BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE SHOW! - This show was originally booked on Bob's birthday back in February but a huge storm that day forced us to reschedule. This Saturday, July 5, our seven-piece band will return to the historic Mauch Chunk Opera House up in Jim Thorpe, PA, for an evening of Bob's words and music. Showtime is 8:00 to 10:00 PM. Special musical guest on guitar and vocals: the mighty Brett Andrew!
http://www.mauchchunkoperahouse.thundertix.com Fun fact: Jim Thorpe is called the "Switzerland of Pennsylvania".
CAFE AT THE MILL - The acoustic trio of Randy Wagner, Ras Mykl, and myself, will perform outside (weather permitting) at Cafe At The Mill in Sellersville, PA, on Thursday, July 3, and again on Thursday, July 31. Showtime is 5:00 to 8:00 PM. This a free, all ages event. http://www.cafeatbucksmill.com
4TH OF JULY @ A'DELLO! - Last year Randy and I debuted at the scenic A'Dello Winery in Perkiomenville, PA. We have been asked back to perform there on Independence Day this Friday, July 4th. Showtime is 6:30 to 9:30 PM. This is an outside, all ages show. http://www.adellowines.com NOTE: We will be back at A'dello on Friday, August 1.
GRATEFUL SUNDAYS! - Sweet Melissa at The Ribby has been running a series called "Grateful Sundays" where bands play nothing but Grateful Dead music every Sunday afternoon. We will be there this Sunday, July 6. Showtime is 4:00 to 8:00 PM. We'll play an acoustic set followed by two electric sets. http://www.theribby.com NOTE: We will be back at The Ribby on Friday, July 18, for a regular Mighty Manatees show (9 - 1).
THE SMOKEHOUSE TAVERN - Our 5-piece group returns to play outside at the Smokehouse Tavern in Lansdale, PA, on Friday, July 11, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Bring the family! http://www.smokehouse-tavern.com
PARTY AT FARACOS! - On Saturday, July 12, we will be celebrating the birthday of Mighty Manatees recording engineer, archivist, and friend, Marc Klempner at Faracos in Quakertown, PA. Marc's birthday is really on July 14, but he just loves those pies of tomatoes fresh from Farcos. Showtime is 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Marc your calendar.
PARTY AT PANACHE! - On Saturday, July 19, Randy and I will join Bob Tomlinson, David Rizzo, Robert Raynor, & Co. outside at Panache in Blue Bell, PA. Special non-musical guests: Bud & Lori! Showtime is 6:00 to 9:00 PM. http://www.panachewoodfiregrill.com
THE KIMBERTON FAIR! - Last year we debuted at the Kimberton Fair and they dug us so they've asked us back this year. Our five man electric band will perform there on Thursday, July 24, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheels, bumper cars, roller coasters, fun houses, cotton candy, etc. We'll be outside at 762 Pike Springs Road, Phoenixville, PA.
THE CHARLESTOWN PARK FREE CONCERT! - It's true! We love to play outside! We will play a free, all ages, pet friendly, outdoor concert at Charlestown Park, 100 Academic Way, Phoenixville, PA, on Friday evening, July 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Dancing space will be provided and there'll be a fireworks display following our show. Special thanks to Makinlee Fox.
YE OLDE SLY FOX - We return to the mighty Sly Fox in Pottstown, PA, on Saturday evening from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. This is a free, outdoor, all ages, pet friendly event. http://www.slyfoxbeer.com/pottstown
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER - Randy and I will join Bob Tomlinson, Robert Raynor, David Rizzo, and Co. at the Montgomery Township Community Center, 1030 Horsham Road, Horsham on Wednesday, July 30, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
VIDEO OF THE MONTH - This month's video is from September 1, 2013, in Camden, New Jersey. This 10-piece outfit features Brian Herder on lead guitar, Jim Cavanaugh on drums, Andrew Geltzer on keyboards, Brett Andrew on bass, John RB on sax, Blondy Von Stenz on trumpet and percussion, Kathleen Weber and Nancy Josephson on background vocals, and the mighty Karl Frick on Hammond organ. Special thanks to Chris Cafiero.
https://youtu.be/jOVAFNpYkuQ?si=sdsR94m5aKzSXCgO
Well, that's about all our reporting for now. See you at the shows.
Stay cool,
Ranger Will
Hodgson In The Summertime
JULY 2025 -
3 - Thurs - Cafe At The Mill, Sellersville 5 - 8
4 - Fri - INDEPENDENCE DAY, A'Dello Winery, Perkiomenville 6:30 - 9:00
5 - Sat - BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE, Mauch Chunk Opera House, Jim Thorpe 8- 10
6 - Sun - GRATEFUL SUNDAYS, The Ribby, Bridgeport 4 - 8
11 - Fri - The Smokehouse Tavern, Lansdale 7 - 10
12 - Sat - Faracos, Quakertown 6 - 9
18 - Fri - The Ribby 9 - 1
19 - Sat - Panache, Blue Bell 6 - 9
24 - Thurs - KIMBERTON FAIR, Phoenixville 6 - 9
25 - Fri - CHARLESTOWN PARK, Phoenixville 7 - 9
26 - Sat - Sly Fox, Pottstown 7 - 10
30 - Wed - Montgomery Township Community Center, Montgomeryville 7 - 8:30
31 - Thurs - Cafe At The Mill, Sellersville 5 - 8
AUGUST - 2025
1 - Fri - A'Dello Winery, Perkiomenville 6:30 -9:30
2 - Sat - Faracos, Quakertown 6 - 9
3 - Sun - FITZWATER STATION, Mont Clare 3 - 7
Please don't litter.