Blues in the Schools event yesterday

I attended a great event yesterday afternoon at the Art Center. A benefit for the blues in the schools program. They have been doing it in Marietta for a few years, and have been there a few weeks ago (Marietta Middle school) and are in the middle of a couple weeks at Blennerhassett JH. A group of middle school students opened the show with their teachers, Fruteland Jackson and Todd Burge. A nice little set with lots of little solos etc.
Todd did a short set, finishing with a harmonica and accapella song belted out. Then the sets were all blues performers coming from other places - a good diverse mix of styles. I liked the bottle neck guitar work of Austin "walkin cane." The last act Sean Carney Band had won some contest in Memphis, and were a strong, tight ensemble of a variety of blues.
This was (also) a disappointing crowd, given the length of music presented, the variety, the out of town guests, etc. etc. Most of the people there were likely associated with the Blues, Jazz and Folk Music Society, so there were not really very many "paying customers" such as I.
Further discouragement for the local music scene (building on my own from Friday night)- but it only takes a day or two to get back up the enthusiasm for the next thing.

Better start organizing the "whole lotta hank" show

Ashlee- this is a direct appeal; I'll need some help getting the "whole lotta hank" show organized for June 22nd. I hope you've got some good ideas and energy. Since Hank Jr. is playing in Charleston this Saturday; I would think some memorabilia and door prize stuff could be sought out. Have you heard back from Hank III? Are "Cashed Out" booked for that night? 1313? I will contact the other band that played at the Cash Bash to see if they are coming. thanks

Greg Brown on mountain stage

thegazz.com

Greens- wheel house May 4th

I see on the wheel house's sign out front, that they are advertising the Greens this friday night, May 4th. I hadn't heard of that show as definite before; so I hope its accurate. I didn't make it over to Elkins last night (too long of drive after a long week, and another long week ahead!!) Hope that went alright.
If anybody is going to Huntington this week, Andy needs a piece of equipment picked up that he left there at the v-club.

Nashville Scene - Good Country People

Nashville Scene - Good Country People

americana event- turnout disappointing

Oh my, the turnout for the women of americana music celebration was very disappointing. I am very discouraged. The performers did a great job- Grace Hall, Don Howerton and Phil JOnes, Tyler Storey, and Linda Cline- all played their hearts out, and hung in there despite the low turnout. I am stumped; I feel pretty defeated, that I don't have it "figured out." (what would draw the crowd)- I guess there is a certain hit or miss to it; but I guess I have gotten lulled into thinking there was momentum building, and the overall concept of the series would keep folks coming; but I guess I was way off. I hope the singers don't get discouraged; they are so willing and eager to help out.
One fun redeeming thing was that the vinyl record boxes were a hit- people picked up some good female vocalists records pretty well, and it created a good little "buzz." That was a good idea I guess- and a good (hopefully) lead in to next week's sale at the sound exchange. I don't honestly have a great batch of records, but I'll see what happens- maybe some more will come in this week.
Thanks to the wheel house folks for being encouraging anyway, despite the bust of a night, and thanks to JT and Cory for the sound work, and being encouraging all along the way.
I'll just have to shake it off and move on to the next event.

Women of Americana Celebration tomorrow night

I am gathering some CD's to play in the interludes between live performers for tomorrow night. I have gathered one pretty hefty box of vinyl records of women singers to lug along tomorrow night- to sell for $1 each, and to therefore, promote the vinyl record sale (including male performers!!!) on the following saturday, May 5th in front of the sound exchange. I worked up one of my little "audience participation"- interactive thing-y's to try to get the audience involved a little- some surveying of favorites, and a chance for a random drawing for some CD's. I've got to organize the t-shirts to bring a good mix of sizes for tomorrow night.
I have a busy day at work tomorrow, but won't be going out to dinner with Brendon, so once I'm done with work, I can scurry around to get ready to head on down to the wheel house. Hope to see plenty of enthusiastic folks there.

Greens

On the Greens my space, you can get connected to "Nimbit" where you can purchase tracks of Greens music- (the one shown is songs off Fruition). So spread the word, as a way to use the technology to get the Greens music out to folks.

Friday April 27th americana women celebration

Down to two days countdown to the next event in the 2007 americana music tribute series. A new event this year, a tribute to the women of americana music. This is a pretty open-ended concept- I would not limit the "genres" or artists showcased at all- I just want to open up a new set of singers and musicians to participating, and give the loyal contributors a chance to try some different stuff. We have Grace hall performing, and Linda Cline who will be an enthusiastic contribution. I promise not to talk too much between acts. We'll hope to just play some CD's if we can arrange it. Please come out and support the cause, enjoy some music, and keep the momentum going for this building series.

More anticipation of Friday night's tribute show

Now, this might be a little more realistic as to what to expect Friday night. Oh well, I have big dreams for building this thing up to something over time.

good music guaranteed

I blatantly get these pictures whereever I can. These are some of my favs among the possible voices and creative forces for Friday night's tribute show.

expectations

I expect someone to come dressed up like this to Friday night's tribute benefit.

listening music yesterday

Todd Snider's new CD (on OH BOY records)
Robert Earl Keen (live at the Ryman)
Lucinda Williams - West

that got me there and back (Charleston)

Todd's version of Stoney (Jerry Jeff Walker) is a great re-vival and a personal twist at the same time.

The extended instrumental on Robert Earl Keen's the road goes on forever is awe-inspiring; I was glad to be able to see them perform that live at Stuart's Opera House- that is one impressive furious performance by the whole band.

Vinyl Record Sale- May 5th

If anyone wants to help me sort through the thousands of records I have stored, to pick out the most likely to be of interest to the vinyl record loving public of the Parkersburg area, let me know. They have been in storage over the winter and need a little loving care before setting them out on May 5th. I am now officially keeping any records that have any remote connection to "folk music" from the 40's to the 70's. I am also gathering a set of records referenced in Todd Snider's song "dusty ol' pile of vinyl records". I may need a little assistance gathering some of the more remote ones- maybe a trip to Columbus is in order. I am still kicking myself that one of my regulars picked up Jerry jeff walker's group "circus maximus" right out from under my nose there at the Sound Exchange last fall. He must have about 2 billion records at home.
I always could use someone to help set it up and schmooze with the people on the 5th if anyone is so inclined.

Jerry Garcia quote

"Somebody has to do something, and its just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us."

the countdown to the women of americana

Well, one way or the other, we're on the countdown to the next event in the 2007 Americana Music Tribute Series, the celebration of women of Americana music. Friday, 8 pm at the Wheel HOuse. $5 donation. T-shirts for sale- the gray with maroon lettering. Some CD's for door prizes; haven't come up with a contest for this one yet (if anyone has any ideas).
I was hoping somebody would sing Big Yellow Taxi (joni mitchell). I don't know whether to expect any (male) to come dressed in drag to perform. Robert Earl Keen has that one song about Hank Williams.......... I've probably scared Craig Childers away by telling him I hoped someone would do a Janis Joplin set. He must have had a bad experience with a girlfriend at a young age who was a Janis Joplin fan. I think he would actually be nostalgic if he heard a good performance in the present tense. I hope someone is warming up a version of "let's give 'em something to talk about" by Bonnie Raitt. Its been a few years since all the fervor over
oh, brother where art thou"- but people would enjoy a few of the renditions from that, I bet, if anybody is so inclined (get it, patsy, {in} cline - {D}........ stream of consciousness only gets you so far.
I need some last minute inspiration for some extra themes/ door prizes, etc. C'mon folks.

wonderin' how the greens were received in huntington

Things did not work out to venture over to Huntington to see the greens last night at the v-club; I hope I can get a report from someone. Am always interested in these new(er) venues for the greens, and if they pick up some support/energy/ enthusiasm. Anyway, someone let me know what it was like.

glob blog (palindrome)

I will mash this all into one blog, and then over the weekend, cull it out into separate parts.
The Greens are not in huntington tonight; but they are tomorrow night, at the V-club.
Andy is doing an open mike again in Morgantown; I can't remember which night, its the pub with the McC name near the brewing company; I would only butcher the name if I tried, so I'll fill it in later. ("I know a butcher who's a vegetarian", etc.)
I have set the date for the first (!?!?) vinyl record sale of the year: cinco de mayo Saturday, May 5th 10-2 in front of the sound exchange on Murdoch Ave. please help spread the word; I'm getting a little late start publicizing the event. Bring me your tired, your poor, records for re-distribution to other music lovers. Help Steve get his "complete set" of vinyl records from Todd Snider's song, dusty ol' pile of records: you know, willie, waylon and woody guthrie, jimmy buffett, lyle lovett, and bobbie gentry..... etc. ending with piles and piles and piles of tom petty....
Its down to a week before the 2nd event in our 2007 Americana music tribute series fundraiser for CHS- the women of americana tribute next friday, 8 pm at the wheel house in downtown parkersburg.
Saw Aaron Phillips father the other day at the post office; and he talked about going to see Corinne West in Columbus - and that she would be at the purple fiddle this summer; this is a friend of Aaron's from the california coast; and has a nice enthusiastic set of reviews etc. for her music if you track it down.
I believe this big festival Aug 3-4 is being referred to as: mountain music and jam festival (pennsboro speedway; moved from the mineral wells speedway. Feed me details.
Alethea (sorry for the spelling) was at the greens show last week at the wheel house, and we lamented the passing of bogies- she is now at par 500 and said they'd like to get andy in there. Andy Huggins works at 6 Pence pub now; and invited me to an open mike on wednesday there, that he's participating in. Said there was still positive buzz about the greens st. patricks day show there- (yeah)
I listened to DADDY (will kimbrough, tommy womack) on the ride down to charleston and lucinda williams on the way back.

Greens detective work

The Greens Won't be playing at the monkey bar friday night in Huntington- there are other bands listed playing there that night- a full slate! But the Greens have a nice little advert for their show at the v-club in huntington saturday night. They are playing with a "jeff ellis and the x all stars"- someone connected with Guiness Clark Wine; that the Greens have played with before. He has an interesting my space site; talking about a recent cd and a tour of duty in Iraq, that I recall hearing about. I don't know which order they play on Saturday; maybe someone can fill me in.
This music fest in August that's listed on the green site: now I do a little digging and find out it has moved to Pennsboro from mineral wells, and the greens are scheduled on Saturday in the evening. This is a HUGE line up of WV musicians, and very diverse musical genres. For the life of me now, I don't know how I stumbled on the right website, but its there somewhere in cyber.
Then; Elkins on the 28th of this month. Opening for the Povertyneck Hillbillies starting at 7 pm. I had to do a little round about hunting for that website too- through Davis Elkins college website. Friday is Flogging Molly - an interesting sounding touring act. That conflicts with the Americana tribute women's night for me back here in P-burg, but that looks like a good two night show in elkins. There is a producer/ manager for the Povertyneck Hillbillies (out of Pittsburgh?) that was connected to Hank Williams, Jr. - so I keep looking for threads of continuity - (with our Whole lotta Hank tribute on June 22nd here in Parkersburg).
Keep August 17th in Morgantown on the calendar for the amphitheater show; now the greens are also at the sternwheel festival in marietta in early September.
We are excited to hear the greens may be getting some studio recording time at Mark Poole's in Morgantown with some of their winnings.
We like to hear: "Y" (WHY") recorded; "Down" - and anything else they'd like to put down tracks........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Women of Americana celebration April 27

Now we're getting down to the home stretch for the next in the 2007 Americana Music Tribute series. We're going to be celebrating any and all women associated with the "genre"- with a pretty wide definition that pretty much fits anybody someone wants to include. This can be original songs, too, "in the style of" the performer, and a chance to showcase a local musician.
Please help me get the word around; we have a pretty good momentum going for these events, but I always worry a little about the unknown, of conflicts with other events, people not understanding the concept, etc. I've got flyers if anybody has good places to put them up; talk it up personally, encourage women singers to contact me to "book" a slot. Friday, April 27, 8 pm at the boreman wheel house, 406 Avery St. Parkersburg, $5 donation to children's home society of wv and its services in the community to children and families. call me for information or to share ideas: 485-0650.

ONly one show in Huntington next weekend for the Greens?

I think I hear from the guys that there is only the Saturday night show in Huntington next weekend. I'll work on confirming that; something about the other band that was going to be splitting the bill broke up.

Benefit at the Wheel House

After the Blennerhassett we wandered over to the Wheel House, where a rollicking benefit was going on- several bands playing leading up to the Greens, off to a pretty late start. "Cashed Out" (johnny nutter's crew) played and 1313- good high energy sets, that got a nice audience reaction- they've got some good music loving / fun loving friends and acquaintances.
The Greens then played pretty late to a different combination of folks than most of the parkersburg shows- lots of the "tried and true" but some other mix of the folks there for the benefit to it seems.
Had a great time checking in with the various Greens fans and mix of people. The Greens had a good set list to keep the energy up, the dancers going, and people staying till pretty late, for the wheel house (exhausted) crew.

Songwriter night at the Blennerhassett Hotel saturday

We went to the first part of the songwriter night at the Blennerhassett (sorry to have had to leave half way through)- Heard/saw about 6 of the acts. It was pretty interesting how many people performed songs they had just recently wrote- signs of a creative bunch; and lots of music churning around.
Andy played his new song; about dragging through the day (work-a-day world); he did the "vacuum cleaner blues"- referencing Kurt Vonnegut's passing, and his love for music; he did "Down" which is quickly becoming a good West Virginia theme song; he did Tuck's Riff and "Why" or "Y" ? Some pretty nice solo acoustic versions of those songs- lots of energy up there.

Don Baker performed a set of brand new songs; he was in nice voice and good guitar work. Amanda Sams had a good solid set; got a good crowd reaction.

It was an adjustment for the Blennerhassett, hoping to use this event as the opening of the outdoor patio for the spring- but weather wouldn't cooperate. A pretty decent crowd filled a portion of the ball room- Todd Burge hosting and working the sound, and recording.

tonight Greens at Wheel House; Andy at Blenny

Two different venues tonight- a 12 person songwriter night at the Blennerhassett- Andy plays early; long list of other songwriters from the region. The Greens over at the Wheel House a little later, probably 10 pm -ish.

did you get by Friday the 13th okay?

The songwriter show at the Blennerhassett was a nice event- Todd Burge opened and connected the series together pretty well- he's gearing towards a new CD with some of the newest songs performed. Had a nice little whistling crowd participation song in there. Sang two of his Peace trilogy songs at the end.
Devon Sproule was the guest- she was very entertaining- a good performer, lots of smiles and good between song way; good lyrics, good guitar playing, good voice. That was nice to get a preview of her here, before the hock hocking folk festival in May over in Nelsonville. Liked her sense of roots in Virginia, and a nice image of a cottage up in canada, too.

weekend, aaahhhhhhhhhhh

I don't usually look forward to the weekend so much; its been a grueling week of work. Todd Snider is singing about his particular part of East Nashville right now. Neil YOung; after the gold rush was earlier in the afternoon. I have checked the "meet the composer" website for any possible announcements or updates. Andrew Bird was involved in one of their projects awarded in 2006. I can'tfind any glitches in the "guitar center music foundation" eligibility criteria for not giving it a shot to apply to have some guitar lessons here at our neighborhood youth center. Glad to have been a source of information to Nick Barry about "uncle monk"- this week; he dropped me off some music memorablia for whatever sales or shows I put on. I dog is barking on the "From a Rooftop" song by Todd- a somewhat talking song- about life in East Nashville. The Radio Cafe; Dave Olney's break- illegal fireworks shows on the 4th of july; discount cigarettes liquor and wine. A little humming at the end; even harmony humming.
Cheatham Street Warehouse, about Texas days- last song on the CD.

saturday night at the wheel house

Cashed Out and 1313 are playing Saturday night at the wheel house in addition to the Greens- so that will be a definite fun night of music and good folks- those are some great enthusiastic folks connected to those two bands- they have been staunch supporters of my various benefits, so it will be great to see them again. I don't know the exact times or line up, so you'll have to ask around, or just come see it all starting at 8 pm. Andy (as I said yesterday) has a time slot of 7:15 down the street at the Blennerhassett. We'll see if the Greens have any of that new equipment yet from the $2000 worth they won from the music store in Morgantown.

Kurt Vonnegut died

Sorry to note the passing of Kurt Vonnegut- a great and influential writer; his body of work will definitely keep him alive to readers and fans- and his great combination of humor and humanity will keep lots of us inspired to look at the world a certain way.

Andy's time slot at songwriter night saturday night

Andy has the 7:15 pm time slot saturday night at the blennerhassett hotel. Fifteen minutes; 3 songs. He's got the second slot, and there are quite a few to follow!

change of plans - gonna be able to go to live music this weekend

I am now going to be around town this weekend for the various music things I like to go to- Friday, the songwriter night at the Blennerhassett hotel; Saturday the combo of the songwriter night at the blennerhassett where Andy's got a spot on the line up and then over to the Wheel House where the greens are playing in a benefit show. The work-related meeting out of town was cancelled, freeing me up. I hope some local Greens fans come out and celebrate their recent success in Morgantown- and help out a good cause.

Next weekend

I will be sorry to miss several music possibilities next weekend here in Parkersburg, as I have a work related conference out of town. Andy is signed up as part of a BIG line up of songwriters at the Blennerhassett on Saturday night, April 14th. Visit the songwritersnight website to gain more updates on the details. That night the Greens are also playing at the Wheel House as part of a benefit for Zack Parr (there is a poker run during the day starting at 1 pm and ending at the wheel house)- you can track down the details elsewhere; but for Greens fans, the details are they will be playing sometime in the evening there.
Friday night, ToddBurge is having the last of his series of second friday's at the Blennerhassett with Devon Sproule (Todd is opening) - I will have to miss this one, too; but have heard some clips of her music, and that has been a nice venue and crowd for the series.
The following Friday, I hope to drift over to Huntington to catch the greens there - something I have never been able to do. I will be in Charleston for meetings Friday and Saturday, probably staying overnight somewhere down that way- so will catch at least one of those huntington shows. Of course, I will be out of place in the marshall university college crowd!!!!!!
I already know of a conflict in May- the greens at the Front Row; but I plan to be at the Hocking Folk Festival in Nelsonville for Todd Snider that night. There is also the Bob Dylan birthday bash that Mike Morningstar and Todd Burge do, I think at the Six Pence Pub. I wouldn't even mind hustling over to Elkins on the 28th for the Greens there; I have my americana music tribute show on friday the 27th here in town; but elkins is a nice town, and not too bad of a trip, if you can combine it with some other sight seeing.
Got a little e-mail from Bill Poole about a movie he'd like to show sometime this upcoming week at the Front Row on Kenny Wayne Shepherd- I'd like to support that concept- (encourage someone else trying that since mine have been busts!!!!!)
I've been working on a grant and listening to: Todd Snider's new CD on Oh Boy records. Now I'm listening to Greg Brown (Evening Call). Since I got on this "list serve" / e-mail thing for Greg Brown, I check it regularly, and get an interesting idea of how people communicate through that- people quickly type in a set list when they get back home from seeing him, and they often give a "fashion" alert as to what he was wearing that night. There was a little flurry of gag e-mails around April Fools Day; a press release that Greg Brown was running for president. Apparently Tim Peacock fooled a few people on April Fools day (Stuarts OPera House)- by saying Neil YOung was coming there to do a concert. That got passed on to the front row, too; Bill picked up on that, and fooled Paul LaPann from the Parkersburg News with that one.
Thanks to Micky for getting the Minton Sparks DVD back to me; I'll get it circulated to a few other folks who might like to see it; maybe I can finally get that review done!!!!!! ( I was supposed to work on that a LONG time ago). I ordered the Steve Goodman book that Clay Eals wrote today. I'll try to get that in circulation too.
I got started getting some flyers up for the April 27th women of americana music tribute show; will keep working on that the rest of the weekend, too.
I'll try to work on a different twist for a story in Free Time this week, too.

Tony's you tube video footage of the greens

Tony Castillo has posted some clips of the greens from the show the other night on his you tube site- I got there through the Greens my space site; that's a pretty convenient way; I'm sure there's a more direct way. He's got several of their songs, and then a clip of the announcement of the winner. These are fun memories, and hopefully give some other folks a little glimpse of the show- thanks to Tony for chronicle-ing the event and keeping the multi-media stuff going and available.

Women of Americana Music celebration April 27

Starting to get a little stir going; people commenting about putting songs together, etc. for the 2nd event of the 2007 Americana Music Tribute Series, April 27th at the Wheel House in Parkersburg, 8 pm. I had a little scare with the re-vamping at the Wheel House, that they might not have kept my date on the books, but I think that's cleared up. Thanks to Chuck for being an enthusiastic thread of consistency for my crazy dreams and event planning. Don and Cynthia Howerton came to the CHS fund raiser last night, and they are always so enthusiastic about music and links etc. They updated me a lot on Jorma's Fur Peace Ranch goings on; gave me a lead on a singer for the women's show; talked about some Gillian Welch songs and more. They boost my spirit every time I see them.
Got some flyers to go up around town this weekend; they are my amateuristic poor artwork but will have to do till somebody steps forward with an artistic concept; mine are throwbacks to 60's mimeographed flyers. Look for them around the usual spots around Parkersburg; and encourage people to step up and sing a set of songs. I expect to hear at least one anthem like: LInda Ronstadt "when will I be lllluuuuvvvvvved."

flurry of activity on the greens my space site!

Check out the greens my space site. There was an angry person that wrote in- I thought it was one of their crazy friends being funny at first, but apparently it was really someone bitter and angry. Nathan wrote a very thoughtful nice response; and someone else kinda, sorta apologized for their band mate, etc. so it seemed to be working out alright after a few exchanges; and then, mostly there is enthusiastic congratulatory excitement going on- which is fun to see- there are an awful lot of enthusiastic supporters and lovers of the Greens music out there!!!! And some funny and fun loving sorts, too. Now, on to the music- there are a few new shows announced; a weekend in Huntington, and a few more in the parkersburg area. and the morgantown amphitheater show- when someone knows what time of day that is, let me know- that could be a good chance to draw in the Washington DC relatives, etc. - that's only a three hour drive. "hot fun in the summer time........"
All over everywhere was that other song they did (from the early strange language era, - I never do remember the name of it)- but that was a rocker in deed. I think that fleshed out the set list from the other blog entry- but maybe there was something else.
I'm glad andy didn't get shocked by the microphone or anything with all that sweating and jumping around- and no broken strings!!!!!!

Greens win the battle of the bands in Morgantown

The Greens won the grand prize at the battle of the bands for Radio station in Morgantown last night. The Greens left it all on the stage with an incredibly high energy show of original songs, with a pretty great Greens fan following up front enthusiastically cheering them on. Starting out with Big Ol' Bessie; little warrior was in there, kenya dig (there will be a time when real soul music comes back)- beekeeper, el dinero, apocalypso, at least one more- the judges must have liked a band doing originals, as every other band did pretty much straight covers; Andy was especially high energy and moving around alot with plenty of stage to work with- lots of smiling and showing he was enjoying himself. Working up a major sweat; putting everything out there.
They won $2000; plus $2000 in music equipment from the music store there in Morgantown. They get a show at the amphitheater on August 17th; there was a guy from a record company there. The other bands were good competition, based on musicianship (doing all those covers though)- I'm glad the Greens stuck to the originals, and laid it all on 'em. It was definitely a huge acknowledgment of the hard work they do to put together a show - it was nice to have a contest with a full 30 minutes to go through a variety of songs and styles, and to engage the audience a little deeper. Send the guys your congratulations when you can!!!!!

Greens in battle of the band tuesday night in mo-town

The Greens will be in the battle of the bands tomorrow at the Met Theater on High St. in Morgantown - I think the show is starting at 8 pm. I don't know their time slot; they have 30 minutes. Lots a folks pulling for them; hoping they get a good response and some recognition out of the deal.

Todd Snider's new CD on Oh BOy records

I'm listening to the new Todd Snider CD from Oh Boy records: peace love anarchy (rarities, b-sides, demos, Volume I) It came in the mail today. There is a funny new song on his my space too- an acapella number...

Greens show last night at Marietta Brewing Co

The Greens had the place rocking last night up in Marietta- they got a little bonus in their pay because of such a big turnout. Hard for the dancers to get going, because of the crowd. At the start of the second set, they did a trial run of their set for the battle of the bands tuesday- they got within a minute of the alloted time (30 minutes for the finals)- I think they've got a good set list- they'll go over it again tuesday I'm sure. Some folks are heading up there for the show from the Parkersburg area. Had a good talk with Steve about venues, varieties of music and such prior to the music starting. Some songs from the psychedelic sky era were brought out; a solid originals-dominated evening; can't recall any particular "covers" theme running through the selections.