The Official Publication of the Sacramento Blues Society
Volume 32; Issue 2
April-May 2011
Constable Jack’s—a Family Affair
By Jan Kelley This is the second in a series of interviews with local blues club owners. I journeyed to Newcastle to meet up with the Looper family, owners of Constable Jack’s Blues Club and Restaurant, and interviewed Jacquie.
BLUE NOTES: How did the club get to be “Constable Jack’s?” CJ. My grandfather Jack owned this building in the early 1900’s and he was elected Constable in this region at the time. He was also a world champion light weight boxer. When we started the club in 1998 we decided to name it after him.
customers enjoying them.
BLUE NOTES. Who are the members of your family and do they all work here, and what are their main functions? CJ. Tim does all the booking of the blues acts and the girls (Dana, Shylah & Sheena) work mostly as servers with Dana as our web master in addition to that. I do most of the cooking & serving, which includes ordering alligator meat from Florida and other fun things! (chuckles).
BLUE NOTES. Is this family run, meaning that you make joint decisions at family meetings? CJ. Yes, we do have family meetings; even with it being three girls, they all get along, no bickering, nothing like that.
BLUE NOTES. How many hours do you work a week? CJ. A normal week, about 70 hours myself, everyone else has second jobs, but they still put in about 30 hours each.
BLUE NOTES. It always seems safe & friendly here. Any problems with running your business? CJ. No, not with the customers at all. We always keep an eye out for any type of harassing, like at single women, but never have had a problem.
BLUE NOTES. Did you have any experience in running a business prior to CJ’s? CJ. We had a Laundromat for about six or seven years, where we would have an open jam every Tuesday night. That was in a little shopping complex that later closed. The jams were so popular, we decided to start the club. BLUE NOTES. Do you think being a female in this business is any more or less difficult? CJ. I think more of it as being a family type business, because children come here too, i n c l u d i n g m y grandchildren. Toys are scattered on the dance floor often during the day, kids pl aying and
BLUE NOTES. Is most of your clientele from this area? CJ No, they come from all over. It’s especially great when they haven’t been here in years & say how they made a point of coming here when traveling. BLUE NOTES. How did you come about providing food and who makes up the menu? CJ. We hired chefs at first, but after having a couple of outbursts that weren’t pleasant, namely pulling a knife on Tim once, I decided I could
The Looper Family: Dana, Sheena, Tim, Jacquie, and Shylah 1
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Willie’s Wise Words Greetings Sacramento Blues members and blues enthusiasts,
Society
I’m very pleased to announce the Sacramento Blues Society will be participating in the 2011 Northern California Blues Festival. This year’s event will be held on the evening of August 5th and all day on August 6th at the Auburn Regional Park. The SBS will be selling “Festival TShirts” to support our BITS program, so come with a few extra bucks to pick one up! For up-to-date information & ticket information, go to: http://www.norcalbluesfest.com/ .
(SBS)
Ah, springtime in Northern California. As I’m writing this, our “St. Patty / Mardi Gras Dinner & Show” (our first show of the year) is about to happen! Thanks to our Event Chair, Ms. Liz Walker, the fine folks at VFW Hall #67 and the great volunteers for providing a great time for us all! Things are starting to shape up nicely. Our “Blues In The Schools Programs” (BITS) has started with presentations in Yolo County schools and ‘after school’ activities here in Sacramento. As we proceed into our 32nd year as a society, I’d like to point out the articles that have highlighted the Torch Club (last issue) and our story this issue with the fine folks at Constable Jack’s. The local economy hasn’t been very kind to the clubs, so it’s important that we continue to support their efforts in bringing ‘top notch’ blues performers – like Johnny Rawls, Kenny Neal, John Lee Hooker, Jr., Chris Cain & more for our enjoyment. Thanks to all of you!! When given the opportunity, let the club owners know that they are appreciated.
Your blues society truly appreciates your membership!! Thanks again for your continued support of the Sacramento Blues Society, the Blues In The Schools Program, the benefits, the local clubs, the festivals and the wonderful blues musicians in our area. As always, “Save me a seat”, Willie Brown – President, Sacramento Blues Society
Meet Your New Board Member, Kathleen Kelly I was first introduced to the Sacramento Blues Society through their many sponsored concerts and events. I am a long-time music lover and volunteer, and so it was a natural progression to help support one of my favorite art forms – The Blues.
a night at a “roadhouse”. Our town has grown up and we are so fortunate to have the many venues bringing us the very best talent anywhere. I look forward to a great year serving on the SBS Board and contributing to the success of the Sacramento Blues Society. Kathleen
Music has always had an important place in my life. As a child, I remember my parents having some form of music playing throughout the house. I grew up listening to Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson and Arte Shaw.
Welcome New Band Member
AL ZAID VOCALIST
As an adult in Sacramento, the club scene had lots to offer with live bands entertaining at the Twilight Zone, the Warehouse, Tootsies in Old Sac, Oasis Ballroom and the Torch Club, to name a few. And how many cities our size has three blues venues? We have the Torch Club downtown, Po’ Boyz out Interstate 50 and Constable Jack out Interstate 80 for
AZ Music Productions & Public Relations Co. 916-627-9927 azmusicpros@yahoo.com 2
Volume 32; Issue 2
April-May 2011
What’s Happening – by Lizzie Walker As this is going to press the first SBS event of the year is about to happen. Our St Patty's Mardi Gras is shaping up to be quite a party and I hope that I will see all of you there.
Future possible collaborations include working with Laugh's Unlimited for a Blues Unlimited venue during the Jazz Jubilee, a blues stage during Orangevale's Pow Wow days, a super jam sometime in June and of course, our mid summer madness show in July at Po Boyz.
Spring is popping out and it's time to shake off those winter blah's. SBS has plans to help you do just that. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of details at this time as many things are pending final confirmation. I do know that our annual Blues in the Schools benefit will be held on Friday, May 13th (yea, we have a date!) but details are not yet available.
There's lots coming up in the next couple of months so be sure to check back to the website (www.sacblues.com) for updates.
Sacramento Blues Society and Art 2nd Saturdays
Blues in the Schools
Save the date Friday, May 13th Annual Benefit
By Cynthia Jaynes
The Sacramento Blues Society is proud to be part of the expanding arts community here in River City! We’ve been asked to support various art galleries and are particularly excited to have Jimmy Pailer, Lew Fratis, and friends appear at Viewpoint Photographic Gallery on May 14th.
Do you like “Uptown” Blues? By Vj When I joined SBS, the first question I got was “Who is your favorite Blues Band?” My answer was the Count Basie Band. I got a strange look, and the second question was “Who is your favorite Blues singer?” And I answered Joe Williams. I wasn’t sure if the next statement was an insult or not, but I took it as a plain fact—”Then you like Uptown Blues.” I guess I do like “Uptown” Blues if that means a place where we dress up for our musicians, and they dress up for us. Still, the music is the same.
Local award-winning photographer, Jose Luis Villegas, will be showcasing beautiful photos of front porch bluesmen. You should stop by for the viewing and listen to acoustic blues played by some of the best Sacramento has to offer. Music begins about 7:00 pm. About 7:pm, Saturday, May 14, 2011. Viewpoint Gallery, 2015 J Street, Sactown
When Joe Williams left us, I found another “favorite singer”, Ernie Andrews. He has an international reputation, but for some reason has not become that well known in California. He has appeared in New York and New Orleans festivals but not, to my knowledge, at any of our local festivals.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BLUES?
Ernie will be coming to Sacramento in April! He will perform at JB’s with Jeff Clayton, “our” new local with a really sweet, bluesy saxophone. So if you also like to dress up and hear a great blues vocalist, and maybe even dance a little, come along to JB’s and experience Ernie Andrews. I’ll see you there!
All but one of these records – each one a hit for the Rolling Stones – was a cover of a classic from Chicago’s Chess/Checker Records. Which one was the exception, and who recorded the original? a. b. c. d. e.
“Little Red Rooster” “Confessin’ the Blues” “Time Is on My Side” “I Just Want to Make Love to You” “Around and Around”
Sunday, April 10, at JB’s Lounge in the Red Lion Inn, 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento.
Answers found within this newsletter 3
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Blues In the Schools News By Cynthia Janes
Hey! Hey! The Blues are All Right! Although times are tough for our schools right now, Blues In The Schools is moving forward. We’ve managed to bring the program to a few different schools and expose more young people to their music roots. In March, Harley White Jr. presented the Blues to very receptive students at Riverbank Middle School in West Sacramento. After school guitar, bass, and drum lessons are underway, with more students than ever before. Mark your calendars! Friday, May 13, 2011 is the date of the Annual BITS Fundraiser Showcase Extravaganza, featuring many of these students and their bands. It’s always exciting to see/hear what our young bluesmen and women have learned. Details are being finalized so be sure to check www.sacblues.com. You don’t want to miss this one!! The BITS Committee is working on several “behind the scenes” projects, all included in a 3 year strategic plan to improve and secure the BITS programs. We’re working to develop standardized lecture content, obtain grants, plan for a summer arts program, and develop a brand and marketing materials for BITS. As part of the Sacramento Arts Community, SBS will support Art Second Saturday with performances by Jimmy Pailer, Lew Fratis and Steve Stizzo at local art galleries. On Saturday May 14, 2011, come check out Jose Villegas’ photography exhibit on front-porch Bluesmen at Viewpoint Gallery, 2015 J Street, and listen to Jimmy, Lew, and Steve perform from 6-8 pm. Support BITS and keep the Blues alive!!!
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Trampled Under Foot—(TUF) By Jan Kelley—Photos by Bob Cosman
Kris really laid it out on drums, seemingly without effort and sang a pretty good tune as well, and Nick – all I can say is WOW! If you want to see an angel with the devil in his fingers, he’s it! Really hot, baby!
The Torch Club really rocked on Thursday night, Feb 24th, when the 3-piece bad-ass
Jan Kelley
Most of the songs performed were originals and/or from their fourth and latest CD Wrong Side of the Blues, which included the title song along with “You Walk the Line” “Bad Woman Blues” and my favorite “Evil Train.”
Trampled Under Foot
band, IBC 2008 winners, Albert King Award winner, came to town! Trampled Under Foot aka TUF, was on fire for the crowd that night, of which at least half were blues cruisers who had enjoyed TUF prior to the band Kris Schnebelen
Look for Mike Finnegan joining in on piano/organ, T o n y Braunagel, the producer & on drums, Kim Wilson, harp, Danielle Schnebelen and Johnny Lee Schell as guitarist and engineer on this fantastic CD.
coming to our fair city. This is a f a m i l y b a n d , consisting of Danielle, Nick and Nick Schnebelen K r i s . These “kids” sure have grown in many ways in the three years since I first saw them. Danielle looked & sounded great, singing some of the best ballads of the evening and keepin’ it goin’ on bass throughout, segueing into rock fullblast at times.
Above all, don’t miss TUF! Editor’s note: Another member also thought this show should get a comment. See below.
A Very Special Show February 24th was a rainy Thursday evening but for those of us who ventured out to the Torch Club to see a touring act called “Trampled Under Foot” it was worth braving the elements! This was an incredible trio of siblings who won the IBC in 2008. It’s easy to see why!
by Linda McShane
The 3 hours just flew by as we danced our toes off, marveled at the talent, and just had a fantastic time! Don’t let a rainy day keep you at home. You never know what you might miss! 5
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Constable Jack’s—a Family Affair
Continued from Page 1
venues like in Reno and Tahoe and the Bay Area? CJ. Definitely! We get some top name acts here, like Elvin Bishop, Daniel Castro, Guitar Shorty, many others. We also like to promote the local acts and give them the experience, there are a lot of talented musicians around here.
cook. I’d been doing it all my life, just not for a large amount of people. The first month was horrible, I cried in the kitchen. After several failures to begin with, I eventually got into the hang of it, and now enjoy coming up with a variety of dinner items. Vegetarian soup is always on the menu and I’ve continued to expand with that theme, like a vegan shepherd’s pie.
BLUE NOTES. You have a lot of kitsch here, like mannequins hanging from the ceiling and buggies, strings of empty beer cans, etc. How did you come about these unique items? CJ. We’ve picked up some from antique stores and customers bring us things. I could tell you a story on each thing. All the beer cans are up because it’s Beer Week right now.
BLUE NOTES. What’s unusual on your menu? CJ. An alligator sauce that I make, and unlike what some people may think, it doesn’t taste like chicken. BLUE NOTES. Any unusual things happen other than with your chefs? CJ. I showed Elvin Bishop my garden & he told me I needed to have raised beds, which I put in & he later saw. That doesn’t occur just any day.
Constable Jack’s is located at 515 Main St, Newcastle, CA (916) 663-9385. Live music on week-ends. Closed Sun, Mon and Tues. They also provide private parties.
BLUE NOTES. Since Tim does the booking, does he take advantage of being closer to the larger
The Gene Chambers Musicians Crisis Fund Guidelines Administered by the Sacramento Blues Society
SBS established a fund to assist our member musicians in time of need in the memory of Gene Chambers. Gene was known to lend a helping hand when he saw a need, and we wanted to honor him and continue the effort after he was gone. Here is some information on the fund.
Timetable for A s s i s t a n c e : approximately 2 to 3 weeks • Application will be handled for Accident, Illness, Medications, Family Emergency, and other emergency needs. Assistance is limited to a specific and verifiable need in keeping with the urgency of your situation. • Applicants (approved or denied) will be notified immediately by the GCEMF Chairperson regarding the SBS Board’s decision • Checks will be issued in person or by mail within two days of approval. A Social Security Number will be required for the issued check by the Treasurer.
GCEMF Basics: Mission: To assist qualifying SBS musicians who are in financial hardship due to catastrophic events affecting their health and well being. Range of Assistance: $100.00 to $200.00 (Requests for less than or greater than the suggested range will also be reviewed.) The committee will review applications to be considered on a case by case assessment. This is a one time application. Types of Assistance: Accident, Illness, Medications, Family Emergency, and other emergency needs. Assistance is limited to a specific and verifiable need.
Confidentiality: All applications and personal information submitted to the GCEMF will be held in confidence by the committee and the SBS Board Members, and will not be made public or shared with any outside organization or group without the applicant’s permission.
Applicant Eligibility: Must be an active, professional musician with the Sacramento Blues Society for a minimum of six months. 6
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What I learned at Blues in the Schools
by Valeriejeanne Anderson; photos by Bob Cosman and Vj
I recently attended a Blues in the Schools presentation at Riverbank Elementary School and learned a little more that I didn’t know before.
Time. The lesson followed the path from traditional to swing to bop and funk, each with its own specific beat. The audience, being pre-teens, knew nothing about the discussed music or
This presentation followed the migration of blues music before and during the Harlem Renaissance (19291945). Following the blues migration after WWI is a completely different approach than the quick trip to rock and roll that I have heard before. H a r l e y White, Jr. brought two young, but very accomplished musicians, Anthony Coleman and Jason Diso to help him illustrate his points. Harley White, Jr. He began by identifying the family of instruments. Starting with the brass (Jason on trombone), then string (himself o n b as s ), t h en r e e ds (explaining a reed instrument as one was not present), then percussion (Anthony on piano). The enthusiastic audience clapped for every note played.
its impact, and Harley bridged the gap by patiently teaching them the rhythm of each song, showing them how to clap along and where to emphasize the beat. This exercise was easily grasped, and the s t u d e n t s contributed their enthusiasm to each song. During the question and answer period, students queried the musicians about how long it took to learn to play, what was it like to travel as a musician, if it was difficult to travel as a band or group, and other questions that showed they were attentive, and really understood more than I thought they could grasp.
He then started from New Orleans and Louis Armstrong, with a little about Mardi Gras. Anthony Coleman T h e group played When the Saints Go Marching In to rousing appreciation. Next was Washington, DC and Duke Ellington, with the group playing C Jam Blues. And on to Kansas City, discussing Count Basie and Charlie Parker, and Jason Diso playing Now’s the
I have attended many Blues in the Schools presentations, and this had to be the most enthusiastic audience I have seen.
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The Karen Lovely Experience by Bo Ely; Photos by Bob Cosman
On January 21, 2011, Karen Lovely made her debut appearance in Sacramento at the Torch Club and what a treat it was! Although a virtual newcomer to the blues scene—Karen’s career began in September 2007 and by November 2008 she released her first record “Lucky Girl”— she’s no slouch in the awards department. With five Muddy Waters awards under her belt and as winner of the 2009 Safeway (Portland) Waterfront Prize for Best Performance, Karen commanded the Torch Club stage from the very start. Playing to a full house, Karen and her talented band—Michael Vannice on piano and organ, G.T. Albright on drums, Bob DiChiro on bass, and Leonard Griffie on guitar— kept the dance floor jumping and the heads bobbing.
Contemporary Blues Album and Karen has been nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Female Artist. Since singing that first professional blues performance less than four years ago to Bo Ely capturing second place honors at the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Karen’s fan base has steadily grown and now includes many new Sacramento devotees. Folks who missed the show can check Karen Lovely’s schedule for upcoming performances at karenlovely.com and find her music on iTunes, amazon.com and cdbaby.
Karen showcased her incredible vocal range through two long sets that included songs from both her first and second albums. Her heartfelt, gut w r e n c h i n g performance of “Still the Rain,” the title track on her second CD and written by D. Walker and A. Mirikitani about abuse, was sung with such conviction because, sadly, she lived it. And judging from the tears, more than a few folks had, too. It’s no surprise that it’s been nominated for a 2011 Blues Music Award (BMA) for Best Song. In fact, “Still the Rain” has earned a BMA nomination for Best
SBS Board of Directors Dave Alcock Willie Brown—President Roni Cook Kristen Dahl-Parliamentarian Cynthia Jaynes Kathleen Kelly-Treasurer Linda McShane Charlene Metzler–Secretary Dennis Moffett—Vice President Doug Thomson Liz Walker
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H i r e
April-May 2011
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S B S
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New Bands receive a Free Business card size ad in the first Blue Notes Following your membership date and follow-up listings for as long as you remain a Band Member, a link from our website to yours and the announcements and offers to Musicians received on our website.
Al Zaid & Classic Soul 916-627-8627 www.gigsalad.com/ al_zaid_classic_soul_band_ sacramento Andy Keane and Kinda Blue 916-799-1544 ajkeane3@aol.com Bad Catz Zane Toberer 530-391-8089 http://badcatz.webs.com/ Blues Farm Band Dave Broida 916-996-5222 BluzHoundz Dave Anthony 916-991-6148 Bobby “Blues” Ray, Jim Monroe & The Blue Knights 916-422-5830 Chicken & Dumpling www.chickenanddumpling.net 530-753-5265 or 530-902-7209 Coyote Slim 408-838-0456 bluesman@coyoteslim.com www.coyoteslim.com Dave Channell’s Fire & Wheels 916-705-8628 www.davechannell.com Delta Wires Prima Management 510-814-0872 info@deltawires.com
Derek Abel Band 707-580-7052 derekabelband@gmail.com Diamond Bob & the Alley Sneakers bobperro@yahoo.com 408-313-7194 www.diamondbobsblues.com Doni Harvey 415-308-2836 www.doniharvey.com Equinox Blues Review Stan Alves—916-969-3995 Gary Mendoza Band 916-599-9947 www.garymendozaband.com Isis and the Cold Truth 408-835-4168 Myspace.com/coldtruthband\ Jeff Watson Band 916-709-9696 jeffwatsonband.com myspace.com/jeffwatsonband Johnny “Guitar” Knox Dave Croall & the Soothers 916-455-6349 rightdave@hotmail.com Melonnee Desiree Blues Band Melonnee Desiree Pagano 916-838-2170 www.melonnee.com O Street Jumps Dan 916 -944-7292 Cari 916-725-4889 9
Papa’s Garage Evan Goldstein 925-989-9365 www.papasgarage.com Phil Berkowitz & the Dirty Cats 415-337-5448 www.philberkowitz.com Rube & the Rhythm Rockers 530-518-9546 www.myspace.com/ ruberhythmrockers Snake Alley Tommy Ing—707-495-4779 www.snakealleybluesband.com Spotted Dog Rockin’ Blues Revue Greg Gartrell—916-332-5417 greg@spotteddogmusic.com Steve Foster Band 916-276-9170 Stevefosterband @comcast.net The BluSoul Band Daniel Watts 916-899-1043 www.theblusoulband.com Two Tone Steiny & the Cadillacs 916-765-5564 twotonesteiny@yahoo.com Volker Strifler Band 707-363-0080 www.volkerstrifler.com
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WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BLUES? The answer is c. While the early Stones were mining America’s treasures for material, they didn’t stop with all the Chicago blues greats they heard on Chess Records; they scarfed up some tough New Orleans R&B too. The Stones’ hit version of “Time Is on My Side” virtually killed any chance that the single by the much lesser-known Irma Thomas would get anything beyond local recognition.
But as familiar as “Time” is to virtually anyone who was alive in 1964, listening to Irma’s rendition provides proof – if we need it – that the better mousetrap usually can’t compete commercially with the brand-name variety. Her vocalizing drips with the kind of soul that British rockers could only dream about, but they still made all the money. The other Stones covers were of (a) Howlin’ Wolf, (b) Little Walter, (d) Muddy Waters, and (e) Chuck Berry. Recommended listening: Since the 1990s, Irma has released several excellent discs for Rounder Records. Probably the best collection of her seminal work (including “Time”) can be found on Sweet Soul Queen of New Orleans: The Irma Thomas Collection from Razor & Tie Records. From the Knowledge Card® deck, What Do You Know About the Blues? By Cary Wolfson. Reprinted with the permission of the publisher, Pomegranate Communications, Inc. www.Pomegranate.com. (800) 227-1428.
Welcome New Business Members!
Please Patronize the following Businesses that Support your Blues Society When you introduce your business to our members with a contribution of a $100.00 annual business membership, you will receive a web-link from our site and a business card size acknowledgement in each of our bimonthly newsletters to show your support for our Blues Music and Education programs. 10
Chops Not Chaps Music Productions
Roy Rogers Slide Guitar & Piano (530) 205-2023 www.roy-rogers.com
Northern California Blues Festival
313 Laurence Ave.
3941 Park Dr., Ste. 20-339 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4549 (916) 350-4640
Kansas City, Mo 64111
e-mail: info@norcalbluesfest.com Website: http://www.norcalbluesfest.com
1-888-BLUESIN’ www.bluescruise.com 11
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID SACRAMENTO, CA PERMIT NO. 2149
P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580
Blue Notes! is The official bi-monthly Newsletter of the Sacramento Blues Society. Send information for the newsletter to editor@sacblues.com or mail to
Editor, P. O. Box 60580 Sacramento, CA 95860-0580
Visit our website at www.sacblues.com Current calendar, news, past newsletters and more! Not a member? Download a membership form
Sacramento Blues Society (SBS) is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit corporation formed to preserve and promote blues music as an art form. The Sacramento Blues Society is one of the oldest blues societies in California, founded 1979. SBS has kept the blues tradition alive in the Sacramento area by promoting the local blues music scene and bringing internationally renowned artists to the region.
Board of Directors Meetings
SBS provides educational opportunities for young people with the Foundation’s “Blues In The Schools” Program.
are the 2nd Tuesday of each month 7:00 PM at the SMUD Building, 6301 S Street, Sacramento, CA.
SBS produces a newsletter, “Blue Notes” Bi-Monthly (six times a year) that is mailed to our membership.
All SBS members in good standing are invited to attend.
SBS is an affiliate member of The Blues Foundation.
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