Woody Guthrie event early stages of planning

Well, on the ride to Charleston and back today, I came up with some good brainstorms for the Woody Guthrie tribute show..... so stay tuned for the announcements of early planning.....
I listened to John Prine (IN spite of ourselves) and the nitty gritty dirt band (will the circle be unbroken Part II) and Joan Baez- Bowery Songs on the trip.

musicians acknowledgment

I still "bask" in appreciation for the enthusiasm of the musicians who stepped forward to play at the johnny cash tribute. Steve Markle signed on to play the drums with anyone who wanted him to sit in; and did so throughout the night with various combinations. Don Howerton did the opening set, and definitely had the roots in Johnny Cash's life story to get us going. His enthusiasm for ALL the ideas of the Americana Music Series is helping boost my morale. Dave McIntire, Shawn Buskirk, and Jim Vaughan captured people's imagination as a high energy group with all the spirit we were hoping for; by the later sets, when Dave stood up on his upright bass, we knew we had reach a highlight. They had a big following, and caught many folks by surprise, too. Corey Shields did a great job with "hurt." and we hope this gave him a boost to get out and play more. Tyler and Ken Storey did a great father -son set, and likewise, I hope this encourages Tyler to keep playing out in gigs -with a long future in front of him!
Johnny Nutter, Harold Yoho and Ken (and I believe another fellow joined them for a later set, sorry!) And then, Aaron Whited did a set; and finishing up with Dave Gerber and Vickie doing a few nice duets; which we were all waiting for.
Now, of course, Andy Tuck tied it all together, and tirelessly worked the adjustments to the sound (AARRGGGGHHHH for him, with all the adjustments, differing needs with microphones, etc.) I liked his original song he worked in; starting to be a favorite of mine!!! and his solos on guitar with a later jam set were great. If I do say so myself, I think the teleprompter work I did on A Boy named sue, and one piece at a time, helped him pull those songs off very well- I knew just when to go to the next page...... And then I can't forgot the one little interlude with Brian McHenry playing girl from the north country.
And, again, if I do say so myself, the brave volunteers who came up to recite verses from I've Been Everywhere were great- I don't know what I can do to get more people to take part in the "interactive" portions of the tribute benefits.....
I will probably think of more stuff, but if I left someone out, I'm doing it to spur someone to reply to me.........

Johnny Cash Tribute follow up

Back at work; positive feedback coming in from various fronts. Over $1000 net proceeds donated to the Children's Home Society. I'll summarize my thank yous and acknowledgements over the next few days; had a long day at work today, and I'm afraid I'd forget some people if I tried to do that now. I'm hoping some other folks will e-mail in some comments and feedback too, so I can get a broader perspective on how folks felt things went.

Next Day Recap- Johnny Cash tribute

Well, the Wheel House was PACKED last night. This will be a gradual summary; there are a lot of people to acknowledge/ thank; and several observations to make. Thanks to everyone who was there, and participated and made it a fun evening. There was a lot of enthusiasm, and everyone seemed to build on the overall purpose and concept we were going for. Sorry it was "standing room only"- but I don't think it could have been avoided; we wouldn't have known with enough time to re-arrange and move the event upstairs.... we will look closely at that for future events (but it turns it into a little more of a "risk venture" when you start incurring upfront costs, and can't predict the turnout). There will be a lot of folks to acknowledge, so I'll do that gradually. Starting with the Wheel House folks; they set things up well, and were attentive to things along the way, and they shared our enthusiasm, although I'm sure, were exhausted at the end. (I tried to help out with the cleaning and straightening!)
And thanks to Andy for hosting; even after a very tiring Friday of gravel and dirt moving, and then playing in Morgantown Friday night. He really provided the seams to all the moving through acts- his guitar playing in the later sets on a couple of songs jamming with others was really the highlight musically. We didn't get to acknowledge his CD's, or band and solo performances, but hopefully the "true" fans continue to see his versatility, and enthusiasm for any opportunities to get people together for music. Running the "sound" is a thankless job at an event like this, and he did his darndest to keep it going.
He next plays in Parkersburg not this coming weekend but the next at Bogie's- exact details forth coming!!

Maybe one more blog entry about the Cash Bash

"Ya can't please awll the people awll the time."
We will be trying our hardest to make everyone welcome and comfortable celebrating the life and music of Johnny Cash. We hope everyone will help each other enjoy the music and setting. We know the crew at the Wheel House will be very busy and exhausted by the end of the evening, but will have worked hard to keep everyone contented. The musicians will have likewise, played themselves out - "left it on the playing field" - we hope folks will be generous to the worthy cause, too; but mostly have a good time.

the countdown has begun for the JC Bash

I'm grateful that the Wheel House has started advertising the event on their message board early in the week; lots of folks comment on seeing the messages there. A few of the musicians have been checking in to see if there are any developments as the event approaches. I've got some of the flyers/ promo things worked up for the "ticket table"- a nice little flyer with a picture of the guitar that's part of the raffle (thanks to Lisa W for making that flyer) and one for the t-shirt sale ($12). I wrote up a "cheat sheet" last night on poster board for a song that will remain a surprise up to show time. I've got at least one volunteer to "man" the ticket table, since we've got so many things going, that should be a hoppin' job Saturday night. I hope there are enough seats for everyone, and the bartenders are well rested going into Saturday night.

johnny cash tribute benefit

Dropped off a flyer at People's News on Emerson; the clerk said "cool" I'd come to that; dropped one off with Betty at North End Market; dropped one off at the library. Got a picture of the raffle guitar from John Gallagher at his music store, to promote sales of the raffle tickets. Arranged for the 2006 debut of the vinyl record sales for out in front of Sound Exchange on April 1st (april fools)- so will promote that in tandem with Americana Music Series stuff- experimenting with the first Saturday of the month- vinyl record sales.
Picked up another musician today; with many enthusiasms for what we are doing.
Unfortunately did not "score" on two attempts to get CD's donated for contest prizes for Saturday; will still work on it; have SOME at least......
Got the "scope" on I've Been Everywhere- originally being written in Australia with references to towns there; there is a New Zealand version; a texas version, an alaska version, and the one that Johnny Cash ended up with.......

Andy's solo show at the Wheel House last Friday

Andy Tuck played to a happy/ fun loving crowd last Friday at the wheel house. He stuck with the new Martin guitar, and had one string break, but really put it through some good paces, with a mix of originals (including several of the new ones that are working into regulars- familiar ones by now) and settling into some requests/ covers as the evening wore on- Wild Horses was played to someone over the cell phone during the course of the evening. I had several bar stool conversations with some enthusiastic musicians, who had come out for some listening and comraderie. Got a least one or two new listeners hooked, and sold a couple of solo acoustic CD's (West Virginia Soul). Some enthusiastic dancing up by the pool table was also part of the festivities.

Johnny Cash tribute show

Thanks to the musicians who came by Saturday afternoon for the "get together" in preparation for this saturday's event. Your enthusiasm and willingness to get together boosted my morale, that we'll have a good event - the mix of songs people were throwing out to play will make for a good show. I appreciated the support and brainstorming of the Wheel House crew, too, to get a blitz of promotion hopefully this week.
Keep sending people my way with questions, comments, encouragement.

I feel dumb I missed mountain stage last night

Andy braved the elements to go see Mountain Stage last night in Charleston. I was not awake when he returned and didn't talk to him this AM. But John Apgar also went, and said it was a great show. I rarely turn down a musical adventure. I'll have to get a report from andy through the week.
He is playing at the Wheel House this Friday night.

Greens show- last night at Bogie's

An enthusiastic and appreciative crowd enjoyed the Greens last night; braving the elements of a light snow and possible icy roads. A good solid first "set and a half" of original greens songs, before giving in to the call for some appreciated cover tunes; finishing up strong with originals again. Andy christened his new acoustic guitar throughout the show; it will be a good addition. Working deftly back and forth between his electric and the acoustic, with Jan and Nathan solid throughout of course. A few new listeners seemed to be present, but a definite core of loyal Greens fan also. The Greens will be back at Bogies in March.

Greens At Bogies Saturday night; watch out for the bowlers

The Greens will be playing at Bogie's Saturday night. There is a Professional Bowlers tournament with ESPN etc. across the street at Emerson Lanes. There is the blues festival in marietta this weekend too. So, we know the true Greens fans will be making a firm commitment to being there and enjoying themselves. Take a look at the new CD "cover art," when you are there. Ask Andy about his bluegrass sideline (playing tonight at the Corner Cafe in Morgantown); and about the new acoustic guitar he just picked up this week.
For the adventuresome, it sounds like some new names at Mountain Stage at the next show; can't recall the names, but didn't recognize too many!

Musicians get together prior to Johnny Cash tribute

Spread the word that the eagerly awaited "musicians get together" for the upcoming JOhnny Cash tribute will be one week prior to the event, on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 18th at 1 pm (tentatively at the wheel house itself- but I need to confirm it with the folks there). Contact me for details, and to confirm you're coming: phone: evenings: 422-3625 days: 485-0650 cell: 541-7463 or email: stuck10@email.com This is just to get folks together who want to be part of the festivities to share possible song lists; equipment needs; possible line up duets or back up musicians,etc. I'd call it an "audition" but don't want to scare anybody!!!! All comers are welcome- its just that we want to have a little organization for the adoring fans. Spread the word; and give me any suggestions or ideas.

Tim O'Brien (WV native) wins a grammy

Todd Burge e-mails that Tim O'Brien won a grammy for traditional folk music for fiddler's green (to go with John Prine's contemporary folk music category)- as to worthy winners. Todd Burge reminds that Tim played on Todd's new CD- Hip about time. So good connections all around.

Nathan setting up a new website for the Greens

Nathan has been working to set up a different website for the Greens, through My Space (www.myspace.com/thegreens) - please check it out and give some feedback. I'm always encouraging new efforts to get the word out. I'm personally a little overwhelmed and skeptical of the myspace concept, but still encourage any new attempts. There are some very simple downloads possible; apocalypso; big ol betsy, 10000 days, and anon. There is "word" of an attempt to have a little summer tour/swing- so anyone with connections along the mid-atlantic area......(pa, md, va, nc, sc, ga) - so give it a visit.

John Prine wins grammy for fair and square

John Prine won a grammy last night in the contemporary folk music category for his album Fair and Square- YEAH!

Minton Sparks

So now I am all intrigued by Minton Sparks. A spoken word performer that will be opening for John PRine a few times in March. She does her performance with some interesting combinations of background musicians accompanying her. Keb Mo; chris thile (nickelcreek), abigal washburn (uncle earl). AND she does a little "buck dancing." I meandered through some web searching to read a long interview with her last night. This is some intriguing connections with interest areas of mine- the storytelling/ poetry connection along with the solid musician-eclecticism...... someone put it into perspective or context for me......

Greens show this saturday- bogie's

The Greens will be playing at Bogie's in Parkersburg this saturday, Feb. 11th. They played at the Brew Pub in Morgantown this past weekend. There are new shrink-wrapped versions of the Greens 3 CD now on sale, with new CD cover art work. Andy will be playing at the Wheel House in Parkersburg next Friday Feb. 17th. I am trying to finalize my "get together" of musicians interesting in participating in the Johnny Cash tribute around that weekend.
Andy also reports some mid-winter mandolin playing - we'll be awaiting updates on any developments along those lines.

out of commission for a week

Just getting back after being away for a week; not near a computer. The past Friday night (Jan.27th) we really enjoyed the song writer night that Todd Burge organized at 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. Andy performed as part of a large group of songwriters. Andy got a lot of enthusiastic response, and had some folks there specifically because he was on the bill. Todd even had Andy come up and sing the extra songs toward the end, and accompanied on harmonica for Bushwhacker. Early the next morning we headed out to Florida, so didn't really get to check in with Andy after that. We'll be catching up in the next day or so. Mike C. was lobbying hard for the Athens Georgia area for the spring.
Well, I'll get re-organized here in the next day or so; coming back from Florida and settling in to routines.