Hello from Belgium

Here's an oldie but goodie from Belgium native Burt Blanca and his King Creoles. I'm guessing this version of Bobby Troup's most famous song was recorded in the early 1960s. https://youtu.be/JBx5OU5poPs Blanca is nearly 70 years old, and according to his website he's still playing gigs.

Electric vehicle group to support Route 66 festival

The Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation will bring electric vehicles and lend its support to the International Route 66 Festival on Aug. 14-17 in Kingman, Ariz., according to a news release from the group. After reviewing the information on the festival the HEVF Board of Directors voted unanimously to not only attend, but to support the concept … Continue reading Electric vehicle group to support Route 66 festival

How to play “Route 66” on ukulele

Bueno Chen gives in-depth instructions on how to play Bobby Troup's "Route 66" on ukulele, so you can try it at home. https://youtu.be/7p7B3gtNfTs https://youtu.be/9dO3Nj_Grzc Chen provides a lot of online courses in the instrument and is an instructor at the University of Hawaii.

A feature on Maldaner’s, one of Route 66’s oldest restaurants

The Springfield State Journal-Register in Springfield, Ill., soon will publish a section on area businesses that are at least 100 years old. One of them is Maldaner's Restaurant in downtown Springfield, which has operated since 1884. It sits on Sixth Street (aka Route 66), which makes it one of the rare still-operating restaurants that predate … Continue reading A feature on Maldaner’s, one of Route 66’s oldest restaurants

TripAdvisor ranks Blue Swallow among top bargain motels

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, N.M., ranked among the top 25 "bargain" motels in the United States in TripAdvisor's 2014 Traveler's Choice Awards. The Blue Swallow is listed at No. 6. TripAdvisor said the average nightly rate in its bargain group is $91. Random observation: Four of the 25 motels in that category are … Continue reading TripAdvisor ranks Blue Swallow among top bargain motels

Pete Seeger, R.I.P.

Folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger died Monday night in New York City hospital at age 94, according to various media outlets. We'll let the Los Angeles Times and other newspapers report about Seeger's impact on music and America in general, his triumphs and his controversies. One should remember that in addition to writing the … Continue reading Pete Seeger, R.I.P.

Historic Bernalillo bar isn’t closed, but it’s for sale

The historic Silva's Saloon along old Route 66 in Bernalillo, N.M., isn't closed (contrary to rumor), but the owner confirmed to Albuquerque Business First the business indeed is for sale. Owner Denise Silva told the newspaper the bar will stay open until it sells "or until both of us die" -- referring to co-owner Felix … Continue reading Historic Bernalillo bar isn’t closed, but it’s for sale

Wind storm damages World’s Largest Covered Wagon

A wind storm Sunday night severely damaged the World's Largest Covered Wagon next to Route 66 in Lincoln, Ill., that features a statue of a sitting Abraham Lincoln, reported the Lincoln Courier. The newspaper detailed the damage: The wind blew the wagon and its rider, Abraham Lincoln, nearly onto its side. Though the statue of the … Continue reading Wind storm damages World’s Largest Covered Wagon

Another sign painter with a long history on Route 66

A few years ago, I tracked down Rudy Gonzales of Tucumcari, N.M., who hand-painted signs along the Route 66 corridor in the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico for five decades. Another sign painter has operated along Route 66 for about as long in eastern Arizona. According to an article in the Arizona Journal, Severo Barela of … Continue reading Another sign painter with a long history on Route 66

Eat-Rite Diner damaged in SUV crash

The historic Eat-Rite Diner near downtown St. Louis was damaged when a sport-utility vehicle crashed into it about 3 a.m. today, according to KMOV-TV and other St. Louis media outlets. KMOV had this description of the crash: A witness told News 4 one car ran a red light and then hit another car. According to … Continue reading Eat-Rite Diner damaged in SUV crash