quite a mix of styles of music at the Cash Bash

We had such an intriguing mix of musical styles at the Cash tribute: we had the solid country-western sound, the blue grass, the pretty rockin' heavy style, the folkie styles, the solo acoustic, the duet including finger picking style, the rockabilly. I think the audience moved through the styles pretty well; there were points where the switching the sound probably got a little complicated to wait for, and loose a little momentum, but the audience seemed to fill in the gap with their own conversations alright. Lots of people were probably new to the Tribute series, so I'll be hoping to bump into some people who attended over the next few weeks to get some feedback.

Andy's goings-on and Greens

I didn't get to get out to WVU-P last night for andy's show, due to the Johnny Cash tribute I was hosting, but I understand it was a good show; the loyal throng who are such great fans must have been out in good force, and hopefully picked up some other students from out there; Andy seemed to feel good about it, and those who I heard said it was a good show. Then Andy made it to the Cash Bash for a good set pretty far along in the evening. He got a strong positive reaction from the crowd for his portion of the show. He was kinda bushed, so wasn't able to pull off an encore, especially since there were other musicians still wanting to get some performance time right there at the end!!!
Then Andy is on to Wheeling today; hoping to get in a little rehearsing time this afternoon, before playing at a place called Sundown in Wheeling.
The Greens have back to back Parkersburg shows on March 16 and 17- the Wheel HOuse and Six Pence Pub (St. Patrick's Day- green - get it!?!?)

Cash Bash recap

Last night's Johnny Cash Tribute was a rollicking success by all accounts. It was the biggest fund raiser so far among the series, based on numbers attending and t-shirt sales etc. (Minus the times we've had large individual donors). From my vantage point the audience had a ball; the musicians really gave it their all, and seemed enthusiastic to participate. I think the Wheel House felt it went well from their perspective. I want to thank the Wheel House, all the musicians, and the enthusiastic audience. There seemed to be encouragement and excitement looking ahead to the next events. We seem to be spreading the breadth of those attending and finding out about the events with the mix of themes / tribute artists.
I was exhausted as usual- just feel like there are a lot of details to take care of- particularly had fun working with Cory (who did the sound)- he's a great guy and fun to work with- a great sense of humor amid the hustle, bustle, stress, etc.
Ashlee keeps my morale boosted with her enthusiasm and encouragement.
I enjoyed having the new musicians for this one- hope they will come back to future events when the music fits their styles. I'll be glad to promote them in the community too.
I'm already to look ahead to the next events; but if anybody is so moved to give me feedback or suggestions from the Cash Bash or looking ahead, I'd appreciate it. Also, if anyone got any pictures of the event, and could send them to me, that would be great.

Tonight's the night- Johnny Cash tribute show

I have been simply barraged with phone calls- a new phenomenon for my tribute series events- its making me realize I take the organizing a little too casually perhaps- lots of questions about ages allowed; smoking / non smoking ; advance tickets, etc. So we'll see how it goes- I try to keep everybody happy, but ............... I have some stellar door and contest prizes; The t-shirts are ready to roll. I will make some last minute decisions on the order of the performances based on input from the musicians as they arrive..... I've got a few "fillers" to help me talk through the set changes; still finalizing my "i've been everywhere" contest details. I'll try to remember to acknowledge folks as much as possible - but don't hesitate to prompt me. I'll hope to announce the upcoming stuff enough to keep momentum going.
8 pm tonight; Boreman Wheel House, 406 Avery St. Parkersburg 485-3838 is their phone- my cell will be on; and I'll be checking e-mail and this blog message right up to 4 pm or so.
I don't know if I'll be able to slick back my hair tonight; I don't even know if I have any black pants.

Greens / Andy Tuck weekend details

Andy will be doing a solo show at a coffee house setting at WVU-P tonight from 7-9 pm in the "student lounge." I hope for a good turnout for him in that venue- Then I hope he can make it over to the Wheel House for a set at the Johnny Cash Tribute later in the evening. Tomorrow evening the Greens are slated to play in Wheeling at "Sundown." Its nice for Jan to be able to have a show in his proximity. They've got another few dates on their myspace to check out in March.

Johnny Cash tribute count down!

Tomorrow night is the Cash Bash- 8 pm at the Boreman Wheel HOuse in downtown Parkersburg. A $5 donation supports the work of Children's HOme Society of WV Parkersburg in our work with area children and families. I am getting a lot of phone calls, questions, interest- more than the previous events for sure. Last night we had a fun musicians get together- not every one showed up, but enough did to have some good exchanges and some planning. I also left off a good supply of the series t-shirts with the Wheel HOuse. $10 for a shirt; plenty of all sizes. I finalized the dates for the next two events with Brenda- so will be announcing those Friday night. Johnny Nutter had his "Cashed Out" t-shirt on display, too, and there will be some of those Friday night available. There are looking like there will be more bands/ combos this year on the line up- so we hope all the set changes/ switches work smoothly. All the musicians I am talking to seem very pumped to participate in the event- there is developing some good anticipation of future events, too. I'll probably give one more update tomorrow-

still basking in the glow of a John Prine show

John Prine's shows leave such a lasting positive feeling. It is just plain enjoyable to see him reacting to the enthusiastic fans, with that smile. Even after many years he seems genuinely amused that people are reacting so positively. There were the usual shouting out of song titles, that has to be difficult to ignore and work around. He works his way through a mix of old and new. Dave Jacques and Jason Wilber are so solid and into their roles, too. When they come back out after their mid-show break, so John has his solo set, during Sam Stone, that is a nice touch- with the bowed bass, and the slide guitar. When JOhn picks up the electric guitar for she's is my everything, and then seems to almost inevitably break a string; that is an energy booster. And Lake Marie always builds to such a crescendo that you just have to marvel. Spanish Pipedream leading off, and your flag decal ...... are getting pretty set as the opening- though I used to remember "picture show" as a pretty exciting opening song.
So, going backwards through a fond memory list of Prine shows over the last few years;
Lexington KY this past weekend; last year, Prestonsburg KY; the year before, the back to back nights in Louisville KY and Cincinnati OH; the year before, the back to back nights in Cleveland OH and Ashland KY; the year before the back to back shows at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, and then the outdoor show in suburban Pittsburgh PA, and the earlier in the year show in Wheeling WV. Getting these early tickets the last two times through Oh Boy records, has borne good fruit with great seats up front. Bumping into David Jacques and Jason Wilber at the mexican food restuarant in Ashland was a highlight, and checking out of the hotel at the same time as Jason Wilber in Cincinnati was also fun.

Traveling Music today

I listened to 38 Songs of Hope- a compilation 2 CD set put together as a benefit for Parkinson disease research, part of "Parkinsong" foundation, on a trip to Clarksburg and back today. A very wide range of performers across my musical interest areas. I finished up with a Guy Clark CD- after seeing him on the Townes Van Zandt documentary last night; I figured I'd hear some of his songs- he was a hilarious interviewee on the documentary.

musicians get together -wednesday 7 pm

I'll be making some calls tomorrow, but anybody who's reading this may save me a phone call or two. I'll be "holding court" at a table at the wheel house wednesday evening at 7 pm to meet and greet with people who might want to talk about the set lists and order of performing friday night. I will also be finalizing the april and june dates with Brenda, so I can have an advance flyer ready by Friday night. And so Ashlee can contact Hank III about the event in June!!!! I'll bring the t-shirts so I can maybe make some early sales, in case anybody wants to wear theirs friday night! I don't have any raffle details lined up yet, so that will have to wait.

Billy the Bum

The old song John Prine pulled out the other night was "Billy the Bum"- I'll do some further searching to see what album it is from. The name is quite obvious, but you never know...... there is an interesting reference to him being like a fluroscent light; which probably puts it in a certain era of lyric content. Its definitely in there with the solid body of work about little stories of down and outers of society.

First (brief) report on weekend shows

I have to make this brief, but I wanted to share the excitement of two great shows this weekend- making the annual pilgrimage to see John Prine, and the Mountain Stage with Arlo Guthrie and the Guthrie Family Legacy Tour. John Prine was in Lexington KY for two shows- we caught the Saturday show. He put on a typical great, inspired show; and it definitely gave me the boost I like to get from his music, and seeing him live. He had a very appreciative audience and is gracious in turn, showing his appreciation and amusement at what a strong reaction he gets. Having his brother Billy come out for Paradise was a nice new twist. He also added a "deep in his body of work" song, based on the suggestion of his brother over lunch - I'll have to dig up the name- but I had only heard it once or twice. More on that show later.
The Mountain Stage at the Clay center was a great show all around- 4 great acts, and culminating with a good long set by the Guthrie crew. Again, an audience that was engaged and showing their response, and the musicians seeming to feed off that. A good mix of Sarah and Johnny Orion songs, and some Woody legacy songs. Good musicianship from Gordon and Abe to go along with the fine singing and guitar playing of the other three.
John Hammond played a high energy creative set, and had an excellent keyboard player; Jorma got it off to a good start; his roots and range of music is deep; you can only hope to get a glimpse at a mountain stage set. And Uncle Earl seemed to capture the audience pretty well right there in the middle, and midst of things. They will be invited back I'm sure- good musicianship and song writing; good engaging of the audience. More later on this too.
A great uplifting weekend of music; despite iffy weather throughout.

John Prine birthday picture from last year

wrapping up a week

The Americana Music Tribute Series t-shirts are in; I've shown them to a few lucky souls. The notice was in the Free Time (friday entertainment section). I'm heading out to Kentucky tomorrow afternoon after a lunch speaking gig for the shelter. I don't think I'll venture out for any live music tonight; probably be too tired by 8 pm. No new callers today about musicians wanting to perform; but I've got an exciting and intriguing line up going. I have finalized wanting to have a musicians' get-together Wednesday night, Feb. 21st at 7 pm at the Wheel House, around one of the traditional round tables. Craig Childers will probably be "spying" in, for some early scoop on the Friday night festivities. He still won't forgive me for not having a Steely Dan tribute. "you call alabama the crimson tide......."
Andy is not playing in town this weekend here. I had to ask him about the "northeast mini tour"- look on their my space site - so you ask him too. Encourage them.
John Prine tomorrow night in Lexington. Arlo and the Guthrie family Legacy Tour sunday night in charleston. Some pre-occupations with the road conditions. Trying to get some more flyers out down the home stretch for the Cash Bash. Need to pick and finalize some dates for the next two upcoming events- April and June.
I've got my hands on the Townes Van Zandt and gram Parsons DVD's to preview for upcoming film series nights.
I just got the new Lucinda Williams CD to listen to on the way to Kentucky.
I have not gotten any responses to my inquiry on Greg Brown's yahoo-list, about the song rooty toot toot to the moon.
I've got a bunch of ideas floating around in my head for further connecting my musical interests and experiences........................

weekend of music; weather permitting

The mountain stage of sunday night, with arlo guthrie, john hammond, jorma kaukamon ( i better check that spelling, to get it right, sorry) and uncle earl is at the clay center; I've talked to quite a few people going.
Saturday we are venturing over to Lexington Kentucky for our annual JOhn Prine "fix." At the Lexington Opera HOuse- he always plays those classy old theaters.

musicians lining up for Johnny Cash bash

I have had some interesting calls of musicians interested in participating in the Cash Bash next Friday. I hope to have a musicians get-together next wednesday - the 21st at the wheel house, for anyone interested. It will just be to meet each other, share some song lists, and see the set up if you haven't been there. I will also have the tribute series t-shirts by then.

andy at WVU-p

Ken Storey said there was a nice poster about andy's upcoming performance out at the college (WVU-P) when he was putting up some Johnny Cash Tribute flyers. Without stealing one, I wouldn't mind seeing one, since I probably won't have a reason to go out there soon. Someone could take a picture of it and send it in to me for this blog- hint, hint.

meandthee.org/blog/txp

This website / blog for a coffee house in Massachusetts has some interviews with musicians I like in recent days- so take a look- Christine Lavin and Greg Brown. meandthee.org/blog/txp

hopefully, correct link to video (Mercy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTcpQznHv0 try copy and pasting the link above..

I apologize for my woeful computer skills - hope this one works!

view the Greens video of "Mercy" by Tony Castillo

This is a first as far as I can tell- Tony Castillo has created a video for one of the Greens songs- which you can view on you tube. Give it a look, and tell Tony what you think!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTTcpQznHvO - I hope this gets you there-

Back to the Beat review

Last night at the art center was the monthly installment of Mary Mary's Back to the Beat. There were three excellent performances of singer-songwriter craft- Gary Andrews, Jim Petry and Todd Burge. I wish more people could have been there, the crowd size was a little disappointing; the performers didn't let that deter them from putting on a quality show. All three showed a wide mix of styles of songs, and were well spoken about the songwriting craft. Next month Nick Barry is going to be on the line up. Its the second Sunday from 6-9 pm at the art center on Market st. downtown.

Back to the Beat tonight at the Art Center

Todd Burge is the special guest at Mary Mary's back to the beat tonight at the art center- her monthly (second sunday 6-9 pm) combination of poetry and music.

Andy last night at the Wheel HOuse

Andy had a spirited solo show at the wheel house last night, to a pretty appreciative audience braving the cold dead of winter night. He DID play the new songs- You should listen up for "Tribute" and (I don't know the name)- the one he references is a West Virginia song- "Down" is getting to be good and familiar by now. He worked a good mix of old and new in the solo acoustic versions, and then couldn't help "giving them what they wanted there at the end" for some dancing stuff. It was a good long couple of sets.
It was good to see a good bunch of the Johnny Cash show enthusiasts there- they are definitely boosting my morale that the tribute is going to be great- a good mix of folks- I hope everybody can keep talking it up!!! It is going to be downstairs in the main / regular bar area- so I'll go through my usual worrying about enough seating for everyone- but it makes for a good feel- as most everybody tells me!!!
If somebody knows the details of what andy is playing at out at WVU-P that night they could let me know. I'll probably try to have a musicians get together along about Wednesday of next week- the 21st- when I hopefully will have the americana series t-shirts available.

pictures of Andy Tuck at songwriter night Feb. 9

Songwriter night review

It was a great performance and arrangement last night at the Blennerhassett Hotel for the second of the "second Friday" songwriter nights. You can tell a lot of people are putting a lot of good, quality effort into making this a good series of events for Parkersburg and the area. Todd Burge has evolved his efforts to bring these songwriter events into a good combination of timing, location, audience, etc.
Scott Miller put on a great performance; good combination of relaxed audience rapport, good amount of telling his story, lyrics, guitar playing, a good all-round performer. I liked his train song, the two civil war songs, the song for/about his friends 4 year old. Visit his website :
www.thescottmiller.com (apparently, I haven't visited it yet) to get a better description and picture of his background, style and connections to other music. It was great to see an audience attentive to the musician and his songs. A good mix of Parkersburg area folks who support live music.
Of course, I enjoyed Andy's opening act set also- some new songs he has just written and never performed in Parkersburg- he had to appreciate an attentive audience also! It was a shame he had double booked and had to dash off- he would have enjoyed Scott as much as anybody. We'll catch up more tonight, and hope the Elkins gig went alright; arriving so late.
The song "Tribute" he debuted was an intriguing one, that is a pretty different work. I hope to hear some reactions from people over the next few weeks as I see them (people who were there) to get a fresh perspective on how Andy is received by a "new" audience.
I already scarfed up 4 tickets for next month's show- this is bound to be a pretty strong run of songwriter nights- yeah, Todd for keeping plugging away at ideas; settings, formats, etc.
Come out to Mary Mary's back to the beat Sunday night when Todd is featured, along with the regular activities of the combination poetry and music. At the Art Center, 6 pm.

And come on out to the Wheel HOuse tonight to catch Andy on the go, I believe its a solo show, but who knows, Nathan may set up, too. I'm sure Andy will further preview the new songs from last night, as well as give some acoustic/ solo versions of the recent batches. This dead of winter perspective will be a good time to bring the local, loyal crowd together.
I hope to be finalizing some details about the Johnny Cash tribute tonight too, at the wheel house; and will hopefully be able to do some promoting and excitement building.

tonight- songwriter night at the Blennerhassett

Tonight is the songwriter night at the Blennerhassett Hotel; featuring Scott Miller (see songwriternight.com website for details of his bio, and sound clip)- Andy Tuck is an opening act, starting at 7:30 pm. I bought a few more tickets Wednesday night, but its probably getting close if there are any tickets at all left. Tomorrow night Andy plays at the Boreman Wheel HOuse at 9 pm.
The Johnny Cash tribute benefit is two weeks from today- 8 pm on the 23rd at the Wheel House. Spread the word please- I get a pretty good feeling for the buzz generating.
I am trying to guess Andy's song line up for tonight. I'm hoping there isn't too much of a whirlwind trip to it, he and Nathan driving to Elkins afterwards!

radio promo for the Cash Bash

I recorded a radio promotion for the johnny cash bash today with Doug Hess. I mentioned the "contest" of audience members having to recite verses from I've been everywhere. He brought it up on his computer and included it in the clip- the line about pittsburgh, parkersburg...... so that was fun. He was also supportive of the Whole Lotta Hank concept, and tried to get me hooked up with a sponsorship from the country station connected to his outfit; so that was good.
He is an enthusiastic supporter of my wacky ideas- he even teased me about my huge vinyl record collection.........
I guess I'll work on another contest- any suggestions?

Johnny Cash Bash Feb. 23rd

Closing in on the home stretch for this event, please help spread the word. This is a benefit fund raiser for Children's Home Society of WV-Parkersburg. It helps us in our work with area children and families. It is the kick off event in what I hope will be a fun series of musical "adventures" throughout the year. I get a lot of good encouraging feedback from folks about these events; and I hope the enthusiasm and momentum keeps building. Folks who are interested in helping promote or come up with ideas are always welcome to contact me.
Musicians who have expressed interest in performing that night: Nick Barry (rehearsing with some other musicians these days); Andy Tuck (coming in during the course of the evening from another engagement); Don Howerton, Ken and Tyler Storey, 1313, and we hope Dave and Vickie re-appear. There is always room for more musicians; spread the word and have folks contact me- though just showing up is okay too. We don't worry too much if people repeat songs; there are a few favorites that the crowd is eager to hear different versions of!!!! The show starts at 8 (ish) and there is a $5 donation asked at the door. Larger donations are gratefully accepted (and we always remember dearly those generous folks!!) especially at this first one, because it helps with some of the modest costs of keeping the whole series rolling along. Brenda, at the Wheel HOuse is always a gracious and supportive host; there is always a little "buzz" for these few weeks leading up to the events down there. Contact me for more information or ideas: day time phone: 485-0650 or reply to this blog on the web, or e-mail.

research

Occasionally, when I post a reference to a name, someone from across the country comes across that through a web search. I am researching some music and musicians from when I was in college in Springfield Ohio in 1971-1973. If "Cowboy Bill Stockwell" or Pop Wagner, or Bodie Wagner come up for someone's web searching, I'd appreciate hearing about their lives over the past 30 years. These were musicians who were on some circuit that led them to Southwest Ohio college towns then. There seemed to be a pool of musicians that generated out of the midwest- minneapolis, chicago, etc.

Andy's goings-on's

Andy reports he went down to Lewisburg last weekend, to play with some bluegrass folks; friends he has met over time in the music world.
Andy will be playing Friday night the 23rd at a coffee house type arrangement at WVU-P. Apparently the announcement and flyers are already up out there. This will run him a little late for the Johnny Cash Bash, but he'll at least be in the vicinity. He'll be able to sing a later set and fill in some gaps for requests, reprises, and the like.
Andy is trying to get some different songs on their my space site, at the urging of the friends. There is talk of an attempt to do a music video of Mercy from the Broken Science CD.
Based on the enthusiasm for "Little Warrior" last night, that was a good pick for Andy to enter a songwriting contest recently, along with "Anon" and "What a Ride."

link to songwriternight.com

To see the announcement about next Friday night's songwriter night, where Andy Tuck is opening for Scott Miller; go to: www.songwriternight.com update is there are 30 tickets left!
Come out and support Andy's opening for a great headliner- Scott Miller. Visit that site for a bio and sound clip.

Greens show last night

The Greens had a good show last night at the Front Row. Andy played bass for the opening act, who were without their lead singer. They had a good sound, and set the good stage for the Greens. The keyboard player had a previous stint with the earliest version of the Greens.
The saxophone player joined the Greens for some Aaron-Phillip-like versions of some Greens favorites much to the audience's pleasure. They quickly got the crowd up on the dance floor as is becoming the common practice. Most of the truest, loyalest fan base in the Parkersburg area was there. Several "regulars" at the FRont Row commented on this being a bigger crowd than lately. Though its always nice to share the stage, I'm sure I'm not the only one who missed a full evening of the Greens- they couldn't get to quite a few of the favorite songs.
I hope to talk to Andy later today, to get a better idea of what the next few weeks will bring- and on into March.
There was a nice little contingent down from Morgantown with the Hot Sextet.

Andy Tuck opening for Scott Miller at songwriter night

Andy will be opening for Scott Miller at the singer songwriter night next Friday, Feb. 9th at the Blennerhassett Hotel at 7:30 pm. Thanks to Todd Burge for putting this series on; hopefully it keeps building momentum through the spring. Check out the website for the songwriter night or the Blennerhassett or Todd's site to see if there are any tickets left- they were closing in fast.

Tonight the Greens are at the Front Row; keeping an eye on the snow for Jan and Andy driving into town after work!!!

The Greens are returning to 6 pence pub for St. Patrick's Day next month- a wild and festive event was held last year on that date for the Greens show (get it- Green/St. Patrick day, etc.)

Andy to zig zag across the state next weekend; coming back to Parkersburg for Saturday night, Feb. 10th at the Wheel House; a solo show.

Be saving the 23rd for the Johnny Cash Bash. I will be getting publicity out after this weekend for that reminder. "I've been everywhere....." contests; so practice saying all those town names real fast................ Dig out that "Walk the Line" DVD and practice your sneer.

Greens tomorrow night at the Front Row

Remember the Greens show tomorrow night, Friday, Feb. 2 (I told someone that, and that it was groundhog's day- they thought that was the opening act). No, its the Hot SEXtet as it says somewhere..... Looking forward to seeing Andy and the crew in one of the familiar haunts. Give Bill Poole some encouragement and support- a stalwart of the live music scene as it shifts and groans through the mid ohio valley.
I'm gearing up for a stellar February of music- lots and good stuff on my plate.

Kenny at the shelter boosted my morale- saying he was working up some tunes for the Johnny Cash Bash with his son. You know he has a great sensibility for a good choice of songs. He was excited by Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska album, newly discovered. A good Americana fan!!!!

More and more later.