Bob Dylan Tribute last night

Forgive an abbreviated report on how the Bob Dylan tribute went last night at 6 Pence- count on a fuller report tomorrow- I am still exhausted! But a quick report: thanks to all the people who came out last night to create a fun evening; the musicians were fantastic and the audience seemed to have a good time. Thanks to everyone who contributed in so many great ways to make this a fun event, and to keep the energy and momentum for these events going. Matt Starcher is enthusiastically pressing me for a complete set list of all the songs performed last night, (which I will assuredly NOT be able to produce!!) But at least I can give the line up, and maybe then some folks can submit highlights and such. I will also report on the contests and prizes and such tomorrow. I have to say, once again, I was disappointed with the turnout, but that is not to deny that there was a good crowd and I think people enjoyed themselves- its just what others missed that you regret!!! We didn't raise as much money as I had hoped, but we'll keep plugging along! Thanks again to everyone!!!! Look for more tomorrow!

Tonight!!! The Bob Dylan Tribute

Come out tonight and find out about:
"a dirty gondola"
who is a "hypnotist collector?"

How does it feel to be without a home, a complete unknown?
when would someone "guard fumes and make haste (not being your cup of meat, n all...)

if there's a poor boy on the street, c'mon let him have your seat

really find out WHO is 68, but says they are 24

among other things...... 9 pm (better come at 8 to get a seat!!) 6 Pence Pub; 7th st. $5 at the door; bring a little more cash to enter a 50-50 drawing, or enter a contest for a buck, and get chances to win interesting (if not valuable) prizes, and hear some fantastic music, from a group of musicians who have been feverishly working up set lists, and refining their licks and vocal chords.... a benefit: a chance to become involved in the great work Children's Home Society is doing in the Parkersburg area.

Tomorrow Night: Americana Music Tribute Series: Bob Dylan Tribute; here in Parkersburg WV

Well, its come around to being only a day away from the next live music benefit; the Bob Dylan Tribute Saturday, May 30th, starting at 9 pm at 6 Pence Pub in Parkersburg. $5 donation at the door, or track me down today or tomorrow for a classy advance ticket! The musicians are enthusiastic and rarin' to go; they are like race horse at the gate just waiting for that whistle and gates to open. There is a lot of buzz and bustle getting set lists together and sharing musical connections, concerts, who played with who, and all that jazzzzzz. I'll have a busy day at work today, and in these cases I am glad the shows are on Saturday's instead of Friday nights. I'll have a little time tomorrow before the show to gather and work on some of the prizes and such. I made my 'second annual" brand new Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat last night; with a signing saying: "Tell me, how does your head feel under something like that.....?" A esteemed prize for sure. "Tell yer ma, tell yer pa, come on out to 6 Pence Saturday night for some great music and fun, and support a good cause.

I've got a "chip off the ol' block"- Marty blogging about music!!!

I copied this blog from my son marty's blog; he lives in Louisville KY and has a great music store within walking distance; so this blog post is a recent visit to a live show at the music store- needless to say I am proud of the blogging influence!

Thursday, 28 May 2009

Gomez
After work on Wednesday, I hurried off to Ear X-Tacy
to catch the Free Live In-Store performance by Gomez.
I was very excited and got there just early enough
to get a good standing spot.
They came in shortly after 6, right on time.
I actually didn't know what they looked like.
They just walked in rather nonchalant like without and intro.
I might have mistaken them for just another group of guys
coming to see the show, except for the clapping that
accompanied their entrance.
They tinkered around quite a bit getting set up, adjusting
their instruments and checking the sound.
Finally they just jumped right into playing their first song.
They started out with their newest hit "Airstream Driver"
Followed with two older songs "See the World" and
"Hamoa Beach" from the How We Operate album.
They finished up with "Little Pieces" from the new CD.
A quick show, but FREE!
I was very pleased with the 4 songs they chose to perform

Bob Dylan (Belated) Birthday Tribute

Bob Dylan had his 68 birthday over the past weekend. We are holding a belated birthday celebration for Bob here in Parkersburg WV this Saturday at 9 pm at the 6 Pence Pub on 7th St. in Parkersburg. Local musicians will play sets of songs honoring the music of Bob Dylan starting at 9 pm. We've got a great line up of enthusiastic musicians lined up in this benefit for Children's Home Society of WV and are work with area children and families. These benefits are part of a year long Americana Music Tribute Series, which is highlighted in the recent issue of the Children's Home Society News (page 9) check out www.childhswv.org for a story about last years Series. Aaron Whited, Steve Peck, Jonny Nutter, Fred Shreve, Greg Syner, and Harold Stockwell, Matt Starcher, Ken Barton (and Joe Wince) are all slated to perform. Eric Lawson had also indicated he will play. We had a small but enthusiastic musicians' get together last night, and there is a lot of buzz about Dylan and song selections and performances he has had. Come on out and support our cause, and have a good night of music.

happy contestants at Last Year's Bob Dylan tribute

Open letter to all supporters of CHS' Americana Music Tribute Series

TO: Friends of Children’s Home Society of WV-Parkersburg’s “Americana Music Tribute Series”
FROM: Steve Tuck
DATE: May 26, 2009
RE: An Update on the Series; part way through 2009

HI! I am circulating this letter to you as a valued supporter of the “Americana Music Tribute Series.” The 2009 Series has started with its usual bag of mixed emotions, but you can never say its not an exciting and intriguing ride!
The Johnny Cash Bash was the single most successful event in the series EVER! We had great music, a huge crowd, and everything went off well as a fund raiser! Thanks to everyone who participated.
The Whole Lotta Hank (and Cajun Cookoff) event was a hopeful first attempt at something new (adding a food event component!), but very disappointing in crowd turnout. The folks involved in the cook off are eager to follow up on this first try next year, so that’s a good sign.
The Bob Dylan Tribute is this Saturday, back at 6 Pence Pub, where the Cash Bash was held being the first time for a series event at this venue. I’m a little anxious about crowd turnout for this one, but we’ll see. We’ve got a solid musical line up.

I am wanting to have a Woody Guthrie/ Pete Seeger tribute sometime this summer, and could use some help brainstorming this one- venue, timing, etc. I would like to be able to announce something at the Dylan tribute if possible.

The John Prine tribute is already set for 6 Pence Pub in October.

I am undecided about having a Neil Young tribute (November?) because of the disappointing turnout last year.

Should there be any others for 2009?

I have had one vinyl record sale, which was pretty successful, and have had a steady stream of visitors to browse the records between sales, too. I will likely have one over the summer in the air conditioning, and perhaps one more in the fall, or just keep letting people know they can browse the collection. I am not sure I’ll make my $1000 “quota” this year, just because my energy for it is tapering off a bit.

Besides the very exciting (yet disappointing crowd) Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart house concert early in the year, I haven’t had any coffee houses this year yet. I have some prospects in the works, so will update folks on that as it comes up; sometimes it comes up sort of suddenly.



My “goals” for the Americana Series (as a fund raiser, benefit) is to aim for $1000 for each event. I know this gets ambitious if we don’t have something besides just $5 at the door, so I can really use some help broadening out the fund raising aspect.
Of course, the additional “purpose” / vision is to keep working on community awareness of the work of CHS in the community; building a core group of supporters and advocates. We (as an agency) are really looking at our unique mission of engaging communities in our work, and this Series represents that value wholeheartedly.

And lastly, I cannot stress enough, my appreciation for the enthusiastic support of each and every one who helps out with the events, and the Series as a whole. I (I hope its obvious!) love organizing these events, getting people together around music. I continue to seek a “core team” to help with the long range planning, to keep the music alive and kicking in the Parkersburg area!

Cindy Howerton's report on the Nelsonville Music Festival

Cindy and Don Howerton attended the Nelsonville Music Festival last week. Don and Cindy are two of my most "kindred spirits" in the music-lover world, so I greatly value their enthusiasm and excitement over new discoveries and reports on shows. This is just a summary in the context of a larger e-mail, but thought it highlighted some of the (perhaps) lesser known musicians at the festival and her impressions. As in keeping with my blog's values, I focus on the positive comments!!!!! Cindy also indicated some great "around the campfire" music, during the camping hours "after hours."
(quoting from Cindy from here on out:
"Some other people that we really enjoyed were:

Chris Biester ….he is from Athens so you should be able to catch him sometime.

Balthrop, Alabama…..check them out online. See them if you get the chance. They are great !

Heybale….. Their piano player has played and toured with Johnny Cash, Buck Owns, The Byrds, and some other people. Not sure if you will see them in this area again but if you get the chance go see them.

T-Model Ford…… He is 89 year old black man from Mississippi. Plays the blues (of course). Wonderful !

Hot Seats……the actually caught our attention when we were trying to walk by the back porch to listen to Zeb Dewar in the “no-Fi” cabin. We didn’t make it to hear Zeb because they were so good. They are so funny !!

We saw Justin Gordon (he has been there a few times) by himself in the “no-Fi” cabin (what a great new idea ! They played in one of those little cabins straight up acoustic). Then we saw Justin with Zeb Dewar and Tim in a new band they call Hoover Administration. They were really good.

Jolie Holland was really great as well. We saw her twice.

We saw Woody Pines again….I love him. What else can I say.

We saw several people in the “No-Fi Cabin”. Alela Diane was a good songwriter. We also saw a bluegrass band. Don’t have their name. I could have just stayed in there and listed the whole time !!

We didn’t see the Spikedrivers but everyone said they were awesome"

Thanks Cindy for this great report; sorry I missed it, and continued wishes for success for Tim Peacock and all the Nelsonville music scene stalwarts!!!!!

Emerson Sports Grill - Todd Burge's songwriter night

Going into the holiday weekend, Todd Burge is hosting a songwriter night at the Emerson Sports Grill- visit Todd's songwriter night website for possibly the most updated version of what may be in store (as well as upcoming songwriter things, such as the Colony Fest up in Marietta soon.)

Drive By Truckers at the Clay Center in NOvember

The Drive By Truckers are announced in the 09-10 season at the Clay Center, for a November 15th show. Dr. John comes to the series in February (21st) too.

2nd annual Del McCoury fest in Cumberland MD this weekend

Del McCoury is leading a festival this weekend in Cumberland MD; lots of jam bands along with the blue grass legends; check it out!!!

Everett Lilly being honored at Vandalia Gathering this weekend

Check out the line up and information about the Vandalia Gathering this weekend in Charleston.

David Zollo at Court St. Grille in Pomeroy

Jackie announces David Zollo is playing at the Court St. Grille on June 10th. David is a piano playing singer songwriter, from Iowa, who has opened for Todd Snider sometimes. Check out his my space site for some tunes and bio. This is a weeknight but worth the chance to catch him now; so you can say "I saw him the first time he was coming to these here parts."

see story link about an early handwritten lyric page of Dylan's (1957)

Youthful Dylan poem was based on existing tune
http://www.mail.com/Article.aspx?articlepath=APNews%5cGeneral-Entertainment%5c20090520%5cUS-Bob-Dylan-Auction.xml&cat=entertainment&subcat=&pageid=1

last year's Bob Dylan tribute featured a picture of bob peering over the performers shoulder.......

Eric Lawson performs at last year's Dylan fest- bob is watching.....

set list sharing for Bob Dylan tribute

A few of the musicians are getting me set lists of possible songs for the Bob Dylan tribute show.

watching the river flow
tonight i'll be staying here with you
she belongs to me
mr. tambourine man
my back pages
when I paint my masterpiece
i'll be your baby tonight
lay lady lay
girl from the north country
tomorrow is a long time
the times they are a changin
blowin in the wind
its a hard rain a gonna fall

another performer:

all along the watchtower
baby let me follow you down
don't think twice its alright
from a buick 6
gotta serve somebody
it ain't me babe
it takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry
maggies farm
only a hobo
outlaw blues

me with my brand new leopard skin pill box hat, squatting as Bob's character in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

Tell me, how does your head feel under something like that?

Dylan Tribute fast approaching

Children's Home Society of West Virginia, from its Parkersburg site has been holding benefit fundraisers for several years under the umbrella of the "Americana Music Tribute Series." I chose "Americana" in the title because most of the artists I choose to focus on celebrating, can be gathered into this genre, at least passably. Johnny Cash, John Prine, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams are some of the ones, who tend to fit Americana just fine. Bob Dylan might seem a little stretch, but shoot, he spans all kinds of stuff. So, May 30th, here in Parkersburg, at the 6 Pence Pub on 7th Street, starting at 9 pm we are having a Bob Dylan tribute. $5 will get you in for a great night of music, and some fun- contests, prizes, etc. Local musicians play sets of songs, contributing their own unique stylings. They pour their souls into their performances. Currently I've got Jonny Nutter and Stephen Peck (they are stalwarts / mainstays who play just about all the shows), Aaron Whited (I have to confirm an earlier conversation. I have Ken Barton - a new contact. Eric Lawson, who came down and played last year from Marietta. And I perhaps will flay out a tune or two. I hesitate to mention it till confirmed, but I am trying to get Andy to play a few songs before he gets started up at the Marietta Brewing Company at 10 pm later that night.
So there's perhaps a little more room on the line up. I keep in communication with these musicians to see how long they want to play, etc.
I am working on some other ideas for "multi-media" - or at least diversion, as well as some contests, and door prizes and traveling trophies again. I hope to retrieve the leopard skin pill box hat, and the foot coming through the phone line trophy. We'll revive the pictures Bill Poole took of last year's show in a bit. He juxaposed my face on Bob Dylan's body during Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid picture. Stuff like that. Spread the word, get some crowd out, help out a worthy cause, keep the legacy and excitement going for these epic tribute shows. We have built quite a history these past few years. The Dylan tribute promises to contribute further.

wahooooooo! Life is grand

this is me, typified by my usual exuberance and enthusiasm.............

Aaron Whited and Mary Mary tomorrow night at Emerson Sports Grill

Bill's show for tomorrow night in his Friday night songwriter events is Aaron Whited and Mary Mary (Good Tuesday). I hope to make it there, and check in with Aaron about the Dylan tribute. Its been a stretch since I was in there for a Friday show; will be keeping an eye on the weather for Nelsonville too going into the weekend!!!!

Haven't heard from the Greens since Baltimore trip

I am wondering what the Greens show in Baltimore went like: now they are on to Shepherdstown tomorrow to the Blue Moon Cafe. I visited there last month when at a work related meeting- a fine place- curious how they are received there. Then its on Saturday to Weirton for a private party. The Greens have woven a solid next few months of weekend shows, all over the place- NC, Virginia, DC, all over WV, etc. They will definitely spread the musical cheer- Many old and new blended in among the venues.

freelance music writers with a syndicated column

When in Morgantown last week for a conference, I picked up the Dominion Post, and there is a column by Bradford Brady and John Maron where they research readers questions about music. I hadn't seen this before, and stumbled on it, and like the idea. They are based in Raleigh NC and will take the questions at: ontherecord99@aol.com
In the column I saw, they talked about Thin Lizzy's song The Boys are back in town, and Bruce Springsteen's kitty's back; and Jeff Tweedy's song "Glad its over" and rockwell's 1984 song "somebody's watching me" and its connection to a GEICO commercial!!!

Nelsonville Music Festival- starting tomorrow!

The long awaited/ long anticipated Nelsonville Music Festival starts tomorrow. I hope they will have good weather- some memorable days and nights spent there these last few years. Visit Stuart's website to get your link to the Festival site- its too dizzying a line up for me to recite it without linking/ visiting the site myself. www.stuartsoperahouse.org will get ya there!!!!

I'll be trying to pre-order Todd Snider's June release with Yep Roc

The Excitement Plan; is to be released (I previously mentioned this in a post)- now it is that much closer!!! I'm "old school" willing to buy the bona vide CD. Support my favorite musicians!!!

pre-ordered "Daddy"'s new CD

I ordered Daddy's new CD (Tommy Womack, and Will Kimbrough, et al) - they have an interesting way of doing it- you name the price (you are willing to pay)- I won't say right now how much I was willing to pay- but I think its a decent, generous amount- worthy of my great respect and enthusiasm for their music!!!! I can't recall and will have to dig for the release date (and embarassingly- the name of the CD) but I will follow up.

McKinley All Star Band

Fred and his crew put on a great show in the McKinley gym this evening- some great original songs by Fred and Greg Syner, and some classic rock covers with some solid instrumentation. This was a very entertaining show; they enjoyed themselves, they got some great crowd reaction. Their vocal harmonies were sensational.

We're in the 3 week countdown to the Bob Dylan Tribute

Saturday, May 30th at 9 pm at 6 pence pub in Parkersburg, we are having a Bob Dylan Tribute as a benefit for Children's Home Society's Gustke Shelter. $5 cover at the door, though we LOVE some advance ticket sales!!! Local musicians play sets of songs by the honored tributee; in this case Bob Dylan. We've got about 6-8 acts lined up; I'll be following up with them, and confirming them. I am working on the door prizes. Help get the word out anyway you can; give me suggestions of contests or ways to build up the hype about the event. Spread the word.

been out of town

I haven't posted for a while. Been out of town the greater part of last week. Saw Ethel Caffey-Austin at Washington State Community College yesterday. The First Lady of WV Gospel. Worked on arranging and reviving the coffee house here at St. Mary's Ave. with an interested performer. Listened to Lucinda's LIttle Honey in the car. Talked to Bill Poole about how the Friday nights and open mikes at the Emerson Sports Grill have been going. Gave him encouragement about an entrepreneurial venture. Missed a Mountain Stage last night. Stuff like that.

The Greens venture to Baltimore MD tomorrow night for a show at 8 x 10.

Cinco de Mayo

AAAHHHH, Andy has a song he doesn't sing much (if at all) anymore; "The Professional Amateurs"- with the memorable line: "well its Cinco de Mayo, somewhere in Ohio"- well, its that and a few other places too, I suspect.

Andy's show last night at 6 Pence

It was good to see Tony Castillo come along with Andy from Morgantown last night; Tony accompanied Andy throughout the night - playing some great little guitar riffs and helping Andy stay pepped up. Tony goes back a long way with the Greens, and is finishing med school and heading to South Dakota this summer to work. He will be missed around WV but will spread some good creative musical talent and cheer out west. Tony has a deep music love, and is one of the great "appreciators" of Andy's songs, and can add a 2nd guitar part like few others. There were a lot of gems from the deep play list brought out for the occasion, and then some pretty wide ranging covers from requests: in the Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Led Zep veins. Cars and Horses, Feeling Low Down on High Street, Never having sex again, were examples of "oldies" brought out for the occasion. Andy had a little hoarse voice from 4 gigs in 3 days. They drove the BUS over, and were referencing the trip to Baltimore coming up. Good to see some of the "old crowd" gathering back around after some absences- seeing Nathan the CHEF (passing through from Florida to Martha's Vineyard), and Terry, Ian, Drisen, etc. was "old times." Drisen sang some of his old favorites with Andy which was nice.

Andy Tuck playing tonight at 6 Pence Pub in Parkersburg

Andy has a solo show tonight at the 6 Pence Pub in Parkersburg. He will likely be playing out front, while the Head Changers are playing the back room. Andy will have already played today during the day with the Greens at a Spring Fest event in nearby Pennsylvania (near Morgantown that is). Anyone reading this this late in the afternoon on Saturday if you can come on out and support Andy's solo show, that would be great. Greens going to Baltimore soon, and many other wanderings coming up, so come ask Andy about the gigs!

Greens share bill at 123 Pleasant St. in JUne with Rasta Rafiki

It appears Rasta Rafiki is doing another mini-revival tour this summer, and it is good to see the Greens will share a night with them, June 26th at 123 Pleasant St.
The Greens have some very interesting and diverse venues coming up this summer. Tonight its Chick n' Bones in Morgantown, and a festival tomorrow just across up in to Pennsylvania.