Michele Ari

2003. Has it been that long?

Was quite surprised to see these photos on my Facebook feed late last night  by my friend and musician Paul Catala​ (keys and co-music writer on my song Pretty.)

This was only our 2nd gig together as The March Issue (so named for the March Issue of Guitar Magazine)  for WMNF 88.5 Tampa's legendary tribute series. We played for about 800-1000 people at 8pm prime time! It was exhilarating!  During my time in Tampa I went on to play two or more of these shows which were always THE show of the year in Tampa Bay.  Our first gig was a Friday night. By that Sunday I had us on the radio and that was when Musical Director Flee sent me the email: "You are invited to play ...."  And thus, I suddenly became a band leader, a job I have not been able to offload on anyone since. 


The March Issue was short lived. This was our last gig together. After a MI  rehearsal, the drummer pictured here, Jeremy Rowland, took me under his songwriting wings and next thing you knew I was, and still am, 12 years later Michele Ari.

 I owe all those guys a lot, Paul for the great song (that has tortured every musician I've had in my band and has been altered more times than the Bible)  and Jeremy for his belief in me and for keeping me up all night for  years on end. Jeremy and I lost touch after I left Tampa in 2006. On a short visit I ran into him on the street and that was the last I was to ever see of him.  I just  found out a few weeks ago that he passed away at a very young age. I am so grateful he was my first neighbor in Tampa and became my friend, my confidant, my partner in crime, my band mate and mentor.  I am very much indebted to him forever and always.


Motown/Stax Tribute Show Song List (I have a recording of it somewhere I will dig up when I get back to Portland in June.) 

Bye Bye Baby, which we ripped off from the Detroit Cobras
The Hunter Gets the Game, which we ripped off from Massive Attack feat. Tracey Thorn
Baby Love, which I do not suggest anyone try ever again but if you mess up just repeatedly sing "Baby Love, My baby love" over and over. 

In case your wondering... the audience truly loved our set. It was over the top for any gig let alone only my second one. I had arrived and never planned to leave. 

Thx Tampa Bay.