Category: Food


Reach For the Stars Talent Revue Contest – Week 3

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January 22, 2017
Judges, Dan Roark, Pete Cormican, Lonny Schonfeld, Tanya Houston (not pictured, Larry Cooper)

Judges, Dan Roark, Pete Cormican, Lonny Schonfeld, Tanya Houston (not pictured, Larry Cooper)

Last Friday, the 21st, was the third installment of  Little Anthony’s Reach For the Stars Talent Revue Competition at Harbor Point Club and Grill.  Tanya Houston, comedienne from Ft. Worth, and Larry Cooper, guitarist for Chet Atkins, were guest judges in addition to the three regular judges. Little Anthony, of course, was the MC, while Tomas Pineda, Jr. filmed the show for CI-TV. Opening the show was the first place winner from the 2nd week, Genaro Sendejas. He was followed by Deano Isaac, the 1st week’s winner.

Tin Man Travis

Tin Man Travis

Competing for the evening were John Mason, Jordan “Copperhead” Bearden, Tin Man Travis, James Idley, Cindy Lewis, Denise Alcarez, Ferdie Gonzalez, and Charley Younblood. Larry Cooper, Tanya Houston, and Sonya Wade were fill-in performers. Dan Roark closed the show.

John Mason

John Mason

Following Dan’s set, the winners were announced. Third place was John Mason, second place was Jordan Bearden, and first place was Tin Man Travis. Then Tin Man played another song to close out the evening.

Come on out and see the acts perform for week  four of the Reach For the Stars Competition. Tin Man will open the show. There are always interesting acts and a few surprises. Some of the acts are simply singers, some play an instrument and sing, and some, like Sendejas, Travis, and Mason, perform their original songs.

If you would like to perform, call Anthony at 214-660-4799.

Join us this week. The staff at Harbor Point is very friendly, the food is good, and the drinks are reasonably priced. There is also pool and shuffleboard while you listen to the music.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Jordan Bearden

Jordan Bearden

Peace be with you.

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Reach For The Stars Talent Revue Contest, Week 2

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Food, Music, Recording, Songwriting, Talent Contest, writing — Leave a comment
January 15, 2017
Genaro Sendejas

Genaro Sendejas

The second week of the Reach for the Stars competition at Harbor Point on Friday began with Little Anthony introducing Deano Isaac, winner of week one. He sang a couple of Frank Sinatra songs, and a song that Elvis Presley covered. James Idley began the week’s competition with a few R&B tunes. My fellow judges were Lonny Schonfeld, Pete Cormican, and Gus Garza. [Read on if you would like to play as a fill-in or compete.]

Darby Martin played next. As he did when he played the week before when he came in second, he played an original song. For his third song, he put his guitar down and sang to a track. Isaac came back up and sang a couple more songs in a fill-in performance. Then Jack King – the Magic Guy with the Bow Tie – performed a few magic tricks, also as a fill-in performer.

The competition continued with Rachel Schriver, who also sang the week before. She seemed to have more

James Idley

James Idley

confidence this week and did well. She is also a veteran, for which she received applause and support. Genaro Sendejas followed with three good original songs, accompanying himself on guitar. David Marcus followed Sendejas. Marcus has a very good voice that is reminiscent of Frankie Valle and singers of that era.

LTD is a man and woman duo. I tried to get their names, but was told just to put LTD. They sang a couple of songs, including a Doobie Brothers tune, before she sang the last song alone. Cheryl McGuire came on next as a fill-in performer. She sang a few of the songs she sings at her nursing home shows.

David Marcus

David Marcus

A guy named Dan Roark closed the show with of few of his songs before the winners were announced. Genaro Sendejas came in first and will open the show next week. James Idley and David Marcus came in second and third, respectively.

Come join us at Harbor Point next Friday at 8 p.m. to hear Genaro and see what the evening brings. If you would like to play as a fill-in or compete, call Anthony at    214-660-4799 (no texts). Good food, reasonable drinks, and friendly staff. And a lot of good music. See more pictures on my FB music page.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

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Valley View Mall Saga, Part 1 – Before the Mall

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Food, writing — 6 Comments
January 10, 2017

mcdonalds-on-montfortA friend from high school, Claudia Noble-Stooksberry, posted in a W.T. White Facebook group. With the Valley View Mall shortly becoming a memory itself, she asked for memories of the mall. It was finished in 1973, before our senior year. As you look at the picture of the McDonalds, ponder this: McDonalds and the Target to the right behind it were the only businesses there. Most of the buildings you see in the picture were not there. The McDonalds was half the size it is now. Across the street from both was a lot of dirt that led to a dirt cliff. On the hill, at the top of the cliff, was Sears. When they put Christmas lights up, you could see them for miles around.

I had jobs since I was six, selling things door to door, delivering newspapers, and so on. But my first “real” job, was at that McDonalds. I had target-on-montfortlong hair then, much like I do now, but it was a little more red then. I had to wear a wig at work. It was the closest I could come to red – cheaply – but it looked on the purple side to me.

One evening some cute girls were sitting on the patio. It no longer has a patio. I felt subconscious in the wig and I knew it made me look a little strange. But with long hair, I was used to people thinking I was strange. Now I just accept the fact that I am, after all, a little strange.

But I was about to punch out at the end of my shift (by punch out, I mean actually putting the card into the top of a clock and having it print the time on the card) and I thought I would impress the girls. I would walk out on the patio, take off the wig with flair, and let my hair roll back out onto my shoulders. And, hopefully, they would think that was cool. I shoved the door onto the patio to draw their attention. I reached up, jerked off the wig – and sent my glasses flying across the patio. A cool moment spoiled.

There would be more cool moments – some spoiled, some not – in the mall when it was built. But first, way back then, the Target was the first “Super Target”?…..

Peace be with you.

 

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Open Mic Tales – New Year’s Eve Edition at Once Again

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Food, Music, open mic, Songwriting, Sound, writing — Leave a comment
January 5, 2017
Dennis Boykin

Dennis Boykin

Once Again Music in Forney had an open mic/jam new year’s eve celebration. Dennis Boykin, owner, usually has an open mic on Saturday, so this was just a special edition, shall we say.

Cyndy and I arrived a little after 8 p.m., which is when the party was supposed to start. I paid for both of us and signed us both in and received our raffle tickets. It was BYOB, so I needed to acknowledge the fact that we brought our own. As well as sign up on the open mic list.

I was rather looking forward to playing on new year’s eve. It has been many

Darren Rozell

Darren Rozell

years since Cyndy and I did anything for the evening except hang out with the sons that were home at the time. Our families hung out together on New Year’s Eve and we do the same. Cyndy and I went to a couple of NYE parties in high school – together and separate – that went rather badly. I will be posting about one of them soon. But this seemed like a good time to celebrate the occasion by going out and being with friends. And the open mic was a bonus.

Dennis started the show with a few rock and roll tunes. Then Zach Welch played about five country songs. Darren Rozell then played mostly his own songs, including I’m All Whiskeyed Up, Now. Then the Once Again Band played a few songs before Cortlynn Blankenbaker joined them on stage for a few numbers.

During the evening a taco bar, snacks, and desserts were available. Stacy Smith and friends prepared the food. Stacy’s is the only name I know. I met Stacy and Darren at the Poor David’s Pub open mic on Mondays, hosted by Mr. Troll. Come to think of it, I met Dennis Boykin at a PDP open mic.

dan-roark-aAnyway, people gathered around, ate food, and visited while listening to the performers. There was a station set up on the wall with Happy New Years decorations on the wall. On a bench sitting to the side were hats, glasses, and other props for people to wear in often humorous pictures. Since I was a visitor – as it were – I didn’t take any pictures of people posing for New Year’s pictures.

I played after the band. I played four of my songs, ending with the audience participation song, Supermarket Wreck of 75. The crowd really got into it, which always makes it more fun and it was perfect for the party. After my set, they played music over the system so line dancing could take place. After the line dancing, Curtis McCallum played a number of songs. Curtis has a good voice and sang them very well.

Cyndy and I left shortly after Curtis’ set. It was well after 11 o’clock and we wanted to get back across town before people who had more than they should to drink began to drive home. But it was a good party and kept going for a while.

And it doesn’t have to be over. You can hear the same people on most Saturdays at the open mic. Maybe Cyndy and I occasionally. You can find more pictures of the evening on Instagram and Facebook (feel free to like the page while you are there).

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

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Thinking of Others Over the Holidays

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Family, Food, Theology, writing — Leave a comment
December 27, 2016

As I was enjoying Christmas with family, I couldn’t help but think about the families that we delivered food to during the summer and for Thanksgiving and all families like them. I hoped and prayed that they were able to have Christmas dinner and presents of some sort. Or whichever religious celebration they observe. Thanks should be given to Metrocrest Social Services, North Texas Food Bank, churches, and other organizations that make sure families – children and seniors in particular – have the nourishment they need.

Here is the music video of my song, What the Lord Intends (Sack Summer Hunger). Feel free to click on the YouTube logo in the bottom right corner to watch it on my YouTube channel and subscribe to the channel (you will only get an email when I upload a new video).

Peace be with you.

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DSA Song Contest Awards and Christmas Party

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Food, Music, Songwriting, Sound, writing — Leave a comment
December 23, 2016

The Dallas Songwriters Association’s annual song contest awards ceremony and Christmas party takes the place of the monthly meeting. Which was Tuesday, December 13th this year (The meeting day is changing in the new year – just to give you a heads up.) The event was once again held at Sons of Hermann Hall. What follows is from the program for the event with the pictures I took included. Because a couple of performers were stuck in traffic, the order was altered somewhat, but was essentially the same in the individual categories.

The winners are listed following the program. Congratulations to all the winners!

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

Barbe McMillen - DSA President Emeritus

Barbe McMillen – DSA President Emeritus

WELCOME – Barbe McMillen Founding President Emeritus, Newsletter Editor, Administration & Song Contest Director Barbara founded the DSA in 1987 after running the group for several years as part of the now defunct Texas Music Association. Currently a working Music Therapist, performer, and Associate Professor of Songwriting at Collin College, Barbara is caring for the admin duties and editing a newsletter for DSA. She is a voting member of the Recording Academy and a member of the Producers and Engineers Wing of the Academy. She has produced a number of albums for other artists and her own. Her songwriting spans the genres of Rock, Pop, R&B to Americana. Her rock musical, Give Me A Break, has been performed in the metroplex and off Broadway. To get to know more about Barbe or to sign up for an online Songwriting Class, visit her website, http://www.barbaramcmillen.com.

PERFORMANCE by multi-semifinalist DeDe Wedekind, Houston, Tx
Stronger from Dream of You, My Unsung Hero, A
Leaning on Heaven , Sell Me Out, Recipe of Love, Love Lives On
DeDe’s music is a mix of pop, Americana, and jazz, with some Gospel thrown in and has been compared todedewedekind everyone from Michael Buble to Adele, and from Linda Rondstadt to Emmylou Harris.
Her music has been and remains on several WORLD TOP 10 CHARTS on Broadjam.com Although she writes mainly pop, she’s also a Crossover Gospel artist. Recognizing that a lot of the current popular music out there is focused on young teens, and also may have depressing, violent, or negative messages, she decided to “fill the gap”, and write positive music She writes beautiful melodies, powerful and inspiring lyrics, and good clean music full of hope. Breathecast.com’s Timothy Yap says, ” When it comes to song interpretation, she is without peer.’

PERFORMANCE by multi-semifinalist Rick Babb, Dallas, Tx
Lucky In Love, Praise You, Roly Poly , Walk Away
Born and raised in Tulsa, OK, Rick was introduced to music and the guitar by his Uncle Don. 3
Rick began writing his own tunes and started performing them at family reunions as a teen. When he moved to Texas in 1969, he began performing in coffee houses and working behind the scenes in the concert industry in the early 1970s. In the 1990s, Rick moved to Nashville

Rick Babb and his wife Paula McClanahan

Rick Babb and his wife Paula McClanahan

to pursue a song-writing career and, during that time, also worked various odd jobs from radio DJ and dishwasher to bartender and circus wrangler.He returned to Dallas in 2003, performing again in the Dallas/ Ft Worth area. He now performs regularly with Royce David James on mandolin and Paula McClanahan on upright bass and vocals.
PERFORMANCE by Americana semifinalist John Mason, Grand Prairie, Tx California   For 30 years gifted singer-songwriter, John Mason, has been a musical inspiration. During the 1970’s and 80’s, John recorded and performed in Southern California. Now living in Grand Prairie Texas John writes and plays a contemporary style of folk, country and Americana.

Dan Roark, Director of Showcases and Workshops In addition to being a singer/songwriter, Dan Roark is an author, writer, and poet. He played in the band, Southern Plains, for twenty-five years prior to the death of bandmate and musical partner, Joel Nichols. After

Dan Roark

Dan Roark, Showcase Director

taking time off from performing while he and his wife, Cyndy raised their three boys, he has returned to performing and the Dallas Songwriters Association.  You can find out more and listen to his music at danroark.com. Follow his blog at chasingafterwind.net. He also writes posts for the dallassongwriters.org blog.
Dan Roark presents AMERICANA Semifinalists
California by John Mason, Grand Prairie, TX
Just Can’t Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX
Lucky in Love by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX
My Unsung Hero by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
Two Trains by Renee Saffier, Andy Hill and Hard Rain, LA, CA

AMERICANA AWARD

PERFORMANCE by Pop semifinalist Richie Smith, Richardson, TX
For A Reason
At the age of 3, the first instrument Richie learned was the bass then later on he learned to play the

John Mason

John Mason

piano, violin, ukulele, guitar, harmonium, and more. While attending Collin College, he was a student in Barbe McMillen’s songwriting class where his love of singing and writing music matured. Towards the end of that semester, he underwent brain surgery and was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer which he is still battling.
On this journey for 4 years now, he’s written music through all of it. Ritchie says, “God does everything for a reason”.

Barbe Presents
CHRISTIAN/ INSPIRATIONAL Semifinalists
Only A Prayer Away (Acoustic) by John Nelson Kullberg, Rivervale, NJ
Stronger from Dream of You by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
Once Again by Jeff Moore, Dallas, TX
I WILL SING by Matt Stemme, Castaic, CA
It Could Be You by Robert Graham, Toronto, Can.
Love Lives On by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
Praise You by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX
On the Breath of God by Len Seligman, Sarasota, FL
God is Too Big for Any One Religion by Len Seligman, Sarasota, FL

Richie Smith

Richie Smith

Hearts Wide Open by Michael Roth, Arlington, VA

CHRISTIAN/ INSPIRATIONAL AWARD

PERFORMANCE by COUNTRY SEMIFINALIST finalist Chris Michael (Sjostrom), Bedford, TX Wanted Man
He began singing and performing and developed his songwriting skills at a young age. A recent graduate of Dallas Baptist University with a degree in Music Business and an emphasis in songwriting, Chris has traveled across Texas and has performed shows, events, venues, clubs, bars, festivals and sororities. Many of his songs

Bobby Montgomery and Chris SJostrom

Bobby Montgomery and Chris SJostrom

and lyrics are embedded with Texas Culture and way of life in which he was raised,
DSA Executive Vice President, Bobby Montgomery, 2014 Songwriter of the Year, has been writing songs since he was a teenager. He says songwriting is a form of therapy and is his reason for writing. He has performed his songs at private parties, festivals, local venues and church. Recording his songs at JoMusik studios this past year, many have won the monthly critiques. Many thanks to Bobby for leading our fundraising drive and helping DSA stay afloat. He was Songwriter of the Year last year and is in the running for Song of the Year tonight. Thanks to Bobby for organizing our buffet tonight.

COUNTRY Semifinalists presented by Bobby Montgomery
Still Enough by Tim Sharp, Tomball, TX
Pills by Tim Sharp, Tomball, TX
I’m Singing My Heart Out by Charles Carter, Dallas, TX
Behind Bars by T Edwin Doss, Silver Spring, MD
90 Proof by Amy Abernathy, Canton, GA
Small Town Masquerade by Hayley McDaniel, Denton, TX
It Ain’t Half Bad by John Swantner, Bellville, TX
Wanted Man by Christopher Sjostrom, Bedford, TX
Coal Dust by Nitanee Paris, Jean-Pierre Williams, Clarence Lawson, Malibu, CA
Malibu, CA
Just Want My Baby Back by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX
COUNTRY AWARD

DSA President, Michael Brandenberger has been involved in music for over 40 years playing blues and jazz

James Pappas and the Christmas tree sculpture he made for the event.

James Pappas and the Christmas tree sculpture he made for the event.

guitar since his high school days in San Antonio.  His most recent band in Dallas was Big Daddy and the Swell-Tones who made the Hole In The Wall their home base up until its demise.  He only started writing songs several years ago but has had a few on local and internet radio stations.  The Dallas Songwriters Association has given him many opportunities to play his original songs at open mics plus the Deep Ellum Arts Festival, the Wildflower Festival and the House of Blues.
INSTRUMENTAL Semifinalists presented by Michael Brandenberger
Aural Therapy by Al Marcy, Downers Grove, IL
Analyze by Al Marcy, Downers Grove, IL
Russian Odyssey by Marc Tilson, Sacremento, CA
Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren, Port Aransas, TX
Recipe of Love by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
Sell Me Out by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
Shoot Out by Conrad Swartz, Vancouver, WA
Welcome Home by John Miltano, Miller Place, NY
INSTRUMENTAL AWARD

Jeff Palmer, Sean Layer, and Carlos Silva

Jeff Palmer, Sean Layer, and Carlos Silva

PERFORMANCE – Love semifinalist Sean Layer, vocals, keys, Carlos Silva, guitar, Plano, Tx
Under a Starlit Sky
Virginia born, Sean has lived in Iowa, England, and Texas. He is a multi instrumentalist who’s played both in orchestra and a rock band though out middle school and high school. His influences include Ed Sheeran, The Flipside, Marvin Gaye, and Passenger.

LOVE SONGS/ EASY LISTENING Semifinalists presented by Michael
Under a Starlit Sky by Sean Layer, Plano, TX
Let My Heart Take It From Here by Randy Overton, Waxahachie, TX
Sanctuary by Nitanee Paris Lawson, Rachelle Lynn Gislason, Malibu, CA
The Warmth of Your Love by Don Coyne, LA, CA
River of Memories by Charles Carter, Dallas, TX
Hate That I Love You by Deborah Gussin, Brian Bell, Luther Russell, LA, CA
Recipe of Love by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
Let Me Love You by Mimi Balkey, Plano, TX
LOVE SONGS/ EASY LISTENING AWARD

PERFORMANCE – Novelty/Childrens semifinalist Ireland, Casteel, Grapevine, TX Eenie Meenie

Ireland Casteel

Ireland Casteel

Ireland is a local singer songwriter who, even at the young age of 15, is a storyteller at heart that effortlessly captivates listeners with lyrics that speak directly to the audience.  She started writing songs and playing guitar and ukulele at age 12 and has over 20 originals already under her belt!

NOVELTY / CHILDREN Semifinalists presented by Barbe
Today I’ll Marry My Friend by DeDe WedeKind, Houston, TX
Dreamland by Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx
The Christmas Song No One Knows by Renee Saffier, Andy Hill and Hard Rain, LA, CA
Chicken or Beer by T. Edwin Doss, Silver Spring, MD
Grow Up by Lauren Paley, Lauren Paley, Cedar Hill, Tx
Roly Poly With You by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX
Eenie Meenie by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX
Cool To Be Kind by Randy Sauer, Hays, KS
What Would I Do by Randy Sauer, Hays, KS
NOVELTY / CHILDRENS AWARD

Harry Hewlett and Richie Smith

Harry Hewlett and Richie Smith

Harry Hewlett, Director of A&R, Co-Director of Song Contest, Harry grew up near Lubbock, Tx, and went to Texas Tech, where he sang and played guitar in the quintessential 1960’s 4-piece garage band, performing mostly for frat parties and HS dances. He began songwriting years later, while living in NYC, where he joined the Songwriters Guild and Nashville Songwriters AssocHe’s been writing and entertaining with his own songs and humor ever since. Now retired, he lives in Dallas, and has two CDs, World Class Dirty Old Man and Tahoka Daisy. He is currently serving as A/R Director on the DSA board of directors. We thank him tonight for providing the song cues of the winning songs.

POP/ROCK Semifinalists presented by Harry Hewlett
Break Me Open by Debra Gussin, Brian Bell, Luther Russell, LA, CA
Find Myself by Jonathan Ditto, Kona, Hawaii
For A Reason by Richie Smith, Richardson, TX
Insignificant Other by Andy Hill, Renee Safier and Hard Rain, LA, CA
I’m Alright by Jeff Moore, Baton Rouge, LA
I’m Looking at You by Clark Ford, Ames, IA

Harry Hewlett and Hayley McDaniel

Harry Hewlett and Hayley McDaniel

Leaning On Heaven by DeDe Wedekind, Houston TX
Mystery Girl by Andre Kerek, Miami, FL
Never Come by Sebastien Parentin, Strasbourg, Lorraine, France
Oh Jenny by Debra Gussin, Brian Bell, Nate Shaw,LA, CA
Ordinary Day by Susan Odella, Virginia, MN
Sell Me Out by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX
She’s A Pistol by Vicki Lee, Pine Bluff, AK
Sunrise by Pamela Olivia, Santa Clarita, CA
This Means War by Mary Jennings, Nashville, TN
Word Man by Stefanie Johnson, Allentown, PA
Dear Fear by Katie Riley, Poetry, TX
KIcks by Jacquelyn Schwartz, Dallas, TX
Lost by Jacquelyn Schwartz, Dallas, TX
Walk Away by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX
POP/ROCK AWARD

PERFORMANCE by Singer Songwriter semifinalist Haley McDaniel, Denton, Tx Aaron See, Guitar
Small Town Masquerade
Haley has taken the Texas Country Music Scene by storm since the release of her hit, “Small Town

Aaron See and Hayley McDaniel

Aaron See and Hayley McDaniel

Masquerade” and shows no sign of slowing! Her writing style is authentic, conversational and reminiscent of 90’s Traditional Country; When steel guitars and story-telling lyrics ruled the airwaves. Her Hosting gig for The ETX ROCKS Show Podcast and YouTube channel has even further solidified her as a truly influential VOICE in Texas! She has received numerous awards and accolades for her Songwriting. Please welcome Hayley McDaniel performing Small Town Masquerade.
SINGER SONGWRITER Semifinalists presented by Harry Hewlett
10 Feet Under by M’Lynn Musgrove, Dallas, TX
Cleansing Rain by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX
Crash by M’Lynn Musgrove, Dallas, TX
Halleluyah Today by Denise Rosier, Lake Forest, CA
I’ll Be Coming Home Soon by Edwin T. Doss, Silver Springs, MD
Let My Heart Take It From Here by Randy Overton, Waxahachie, TX
Running Throuhg The New Brown Corn by Edwin T. Doss, Silver Springs, MD
Small Town Masquerade by Haley McDaniel, Denton, TX
Soft Place To Fall by Debra Gussin, Jonathan Bluth, LA, CA
Wilted Flower by Erin James, Nashville, TN
SINGER SONGWRITER AWARD presented by David Card

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS Anounced- presented by Barbe McMillen
Roy Elkins of Broadjam.com was our grand prize judge. You can read his detailed comments on the DSA website.
Explanation of the process.
All three winners in each category were placed in dropbox for our Grand Prize judge to listen to and pick the Grand Prize Winners. It is unknown to the judge how each song placed in it’s category. In the past we’ve had an HM win the grand prize. Also, he does not know who the songwriter and singer is. It’s very blind judging.

WINNER OF THE IPOD – Jeffery Moore, Baton Rouge, LA

LYRIC CONTEST WINNERS 2016
FALL 2015 Memories of the Future by David Byboth
WINTER In His Hands by Lauren Smith, Livermore, CA
SPRING Fences by Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PA
SUMMER  Addiction by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX

Harry Hewlett, Mr. Troll, Rio King, Michael Brandenberger

Harry Hewlett, Mr. Troll, Rio King, Michael Brandenberger

PERFORMANCE by critique finalist Rio King, Plano, Tx Last Chance to Dance, Play Sump’n Like Dat & That Window Closes Fast
After early successes with his college rock and roll band, The Techniques out of Lubbock, and as a solo singer songwriter at Kerrville, Rio King has re-emerged from musical retirement. With deep affection for his native state, Rio has recently recorded his album, I’d Love To See Texas Again with Chris Gage of MoonHouse Studio in Austin to bring a great collection of original Texas Music. He is performing songs that were winners of the Best Songs of the Second Tuesday Meeting.
BEST SONGS OF THE 2016 SECOND TUESDAY MEETING

SONG OF THE YEAR presented by Harry Hewlett

Michael Brandenberger and Rio King

Michael Brandenberger and Rio King

Explanation of the process
Each month songs of members are critiqued at the 2nd Tuesday meeting. Winners each month are published in Songwriters Notes. At the end of each year, the songs are judged by industry pros and the Song of the Year is awarded to the songwriter whose song garnered the most points from the judges.
SONG OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
1 Time to Leave by Beth Murphy, Richardson, TX
2 My Pickup Truck She Never Lets Me Down by Charles Carter, Dallas, TX
3 Last Chance To Dance In Texas by Rio King, Plano, TX
4 I’m Singing My heart Out in Dallas Tonight by Charles Carter, Dallas, TX
5 Play Sump’n Like Dat by Rio King, Plano, TX
6 That Window Closes Fast by Rio King, Plano, TX
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNER

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR presented by Michael Brandenberger
Explanation of the process.
The songwriter who has won the most Best Songs of the Meeting throughout the year becomes our songwriter of the year.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNER

Thank You
Special thanks to Harry Hewlett for co-directing the contest, and providing the audio clips tonight.
Dan Roark, Cameron Roark and Dave Lewis of Sons of Hermann Hall for our live sound reinforcement, .
Bobby Montgomery for catering, fundraising and many other things.
Lisa Byrn, SOH Manager, Our Song Contest and Lyric Judges, Nancy Rynders
Ginger Stanoiu for setting up, Ken Duren for helping at the door
Michael Brandenberger for ramroding DSA through 2016

DSA Board of Directors 2016
President / Membership Director – Michael Brandenberger
Executive Vice President, Program Director, Fundraising – Bobby Montgomery
Newsletter, Song Contest, Admin – Barbe McMillen
Workshop, Showcases and Open Mics & Lyric Contest Director – Dan Roark
Treasurer – Dickey Johnson
A&R and Co-Director Song Contest – Harry Hewlett
Secretary – Ginger Stanoiu
Technical Director – Rachel Wilhelm
Marcus Belmore – Webmaster
At-Large: Joe Milton, James Pappas, Ken Duren, Steve Sullivan

Directors for 2017
Michael Brandenberger, Bobby Montgomery, Barbe McMillen, Harry Hewlett, Dicky Johnson, Ginger Stanoiu, Rachel Wilhelm, Steve Sullivan, Ken Duren, Dan Roark, Joe Milton, Marcus Belmore, James Pappas, Malini Shaw

2016 SONG CONTEST JUDGES
Grand Prize Judge : ROY ELKINS, CEO of Broadjam, Inc.

CATEGORY JUDGES
Americana: KENDRA TERRY, Booking manager of Uncle Calvin’s Coffee House.
Christian/Inspirational:  KIMBERLY INGRAM – Open Heart Musicals
Country: ROD PHELPS – VP Global Music Development, the American Music Channel
Children’s/Novelty :MONTY HARPER , award-winning children’s performer, and songwriter http://www.montyharper.com
Instrumental: TERRY HANKINS, premier jazz guitarist
Love Songs/Easy Listening : TONY HAKIM , Jazz performer and owner of the jazz venue, Kitchen Cafe.
Pop/Rock – Music Director KATHY FORSTE, KC Café Radio   http://www.kccaferadio.com
Singer Songwriter: DAVID CARD, Owner, Poor David’s Pub

SONG OF THE YEAR JUDGE
MR TROLL, Open mic host and doer of things at Poor David’s Pub

AMERICANA

1. Two Trains by Renee Saffier, Andy Hill and Hard Rain, LA, CA

2. Just Can’t Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

3. My Unsung Hero by DeDe Wedekind, Houston, TX

CHRISTIAN

1. Hearts Wide Open by Michael Roth, Arlington, VA

2. It Could Be You by Robert Graham, Toronto, Can.

3. Praise You by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX

COUNTRY

1. Still Enough by Tim Sharp, Tomball, TX

2. Pills by Tim Sharp, Tomball, TX

3. Wanted Man by Christopher Sjostrom, Bedford, TX

LOVE / EASY LISTENING

1. The Warmth of Your Love by Don Coyne, LA, CA

2. Let My Heart Take It From Here by Randy Overton, Waxahachie, TX

3. Sanctuary by Nitanee Paris Lawson, Rachelle Lynn Gislason, Malibu, CA

INSTRUMENTAL

1. Shoot Out by Conrad Swartz, Vancouver, WA

2. Aural Therapy by Al Marcy, Downers Grove, IL

3. Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls, Port Aransas, TX

NOVELTY / CHILDRENS

1. Grow Up by Lauren Paley, Lauren Paley, Cedar Hill, Tx (email)

2. Cool To Be Kind by Randy Sauer, Hays, KS (email)

3. The Christmas Song No One Knows by Renee Saffier, Andy Hill and Hard Rain, LA, CA

3. Roly Poly With You by Rick Babb, Dallas, TX

HM Eenie Meenie by Ireland Casteel, Grapevine, TX    (email)

HM Dreamland by Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx

POP

1. INSIGNIFICANT OTHER by Andy Hill, Renee Safier and Hard Rain, LA, CA

2. BREAK ME OPEN by Debra Gussin, Brian Bell, Luther Russell, LA, CA

3. SUNRISE by Pamela Olivia, Santa Clarita, CA

HM FOR A REASON by Richie Smith, Richardson, TX

SINGER SONGWRITER

1. SMALL TOWN MASQUERADE by Haley McDaniel, Denton, TX

2. CLEANSING RAIN by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

3. HALLELUYAH TODAY by Denise Rosier, Lake Forest, CA

HM SOFT PLACE TO FALL by Debra Gussin, Jonathan Bluth, LA, CA

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS

1. Enchanted Kingdom by Bill Wren and Frank Ralls, Port Aransas, TX

2. Just Can’t Drown a Broken Heart by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

3. CLEANSING RAIN by Jared LoStracco, Nacogdoches, TX

WINNER OF THE IPOD

Jeffery Moore, Baton Rouge, LA  His entry, This Love, #102 was drawn.

 

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What Did Macaroni and Cheese Ever Do To Them?

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Food, writing — Leave a comment
December 7, 2016

bowl-of-mac-and-cheeseMacaroni and cheese – a simple concept. Cook the macaroni and then bake it with cheese. Which introduced the crust concept of macaroni and cheese (heretofore referred to as mac and cheese). Everyone was happy. The variation came in the kind of cheese used. Deluxe mac and cheese came about by adding more than one cheese. But it was still mac and cheese.

Then Kraft came out with mac and cheese packages. There was no reason to measure ingredients anymore. Cook the noodles and then add the cheese packet. Pretty much the way it always was. Velveeta got in the game, but the basics were still the same. Now you have individual bowls for single servings. But it’s still mac and cheese.

Then restaurants began to take advantage of the popularity of mac and cheese. It was cheap to make. They thought maybe if they added a bunch of crap and called it deluxe or gourmet mac and cheese, they could charge $8 a serving. And they were totally confused. They forgot one simple thing – which I will get back to.

Schotzsky’s made the more recent foray into the mac and cheese world. They have four new mac and cheese dinners. Actually three, with a variation on the third. One has chicken, one has shrimp, and two have brisket – albeit all with different extra ingredients. They have continually had sales and deals on the dinners, so it would seem that the options were not all that popular.

I need to say, however, that I eat Schotzsky’s sandwiches almost every Monday. Cyndy and I enjoy the Pick 2, the salads, and the flatbread options. But we will not have the mac and cheese dishes. Regardless of the coupons I receive by email. Obviously it is not because their food is not good.

I saw a commercial the other day from Red Lobster that mentioned a lobster and mac and cheese dish. Are you freaking kidding me? As Cyndy said , it might be palatable with a white sauce. But, seeing the commercial again, it was “regular” mac and cheese.

I’m amazed at the confusion that created all these dishes in the first place. What led them to completely misunderstand the name of the dish? It is as simple as anything could be. It worked really well for over 50 years. No one had any problem with it. Children loved it and it could keep them from yelling for food for a period of time.

Then restaurants decided – does this sound familiar – that if they added ingredients they could charge for a “gourmet” dish. It didn’t matter that the ingredients had nothing to do with mac and cheese. Forget the fact that you would taste little of the original mac and cheese. Our son, Cameron, had one of the Schotzsky’s mac and cheese dishes and threw half of it away.

Here is the one thing they all forgot or ignored. And that is the name and basics of the dish. It is macaroni and cheese. It is, has been, and always will be, a two ingredient dish – whether it’s a main course or side dish. You can have almost anything with mac and cheese – on the side. To add ingredients in order to make it “gourmet” and charge more money is a bastardization of the original dish.

If you have not reached this conclusion by now, here it is. The dish is macaroni and cheese. Just to be clear, the ingredients are macaroni and cheese. To call it gourmet would be with more than one kind of cheese. But the ingredients are still – say it with me – macaroni and cheese. I don’t understand the confusion.

Peace be with you.

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Grand Theft Dinnerware

Filed under: Communications, Food, writing — Leave a comment
November 23, 2016

spaghetti-warehouseA Meetup group I’m a member of, Dallas Ukulele Headquarters (DUH), is having a Christmas party at the Spaghetti Warehouse (formerly the Old Spaghetti Warehouse) in the West End. I’m not able to make the party, but it got me to thinking about the Old Spaghetti Warehouse (OSW for brevity). When I first went to OSW, there was no West End. There was a parking lot and car lot nearby. It was a warehouse district – hence the name. Which made it cool and unique, but could be a pain in the ass to park. And it was dark in the area.

In the early ‘70s, a bunch of friends and I decided to dress up and go to OSW. Just to do it for one thing. And for another, no one ever “carded us” to buy liquor or beer when we were dressed up. Mark, Brian, and myself would dress up and go down to Gatsby’s Bicycle Bar in the Hilton downtown and drink tequila sunrises (thanks to the Eagles song and it being a good drink). No one ever ask for our i.d. But that was a different time.

Anyway, we arrived at OSW, parked, and trekked to the restaurant. We were seated on the second floor, which was for larger parties – the DUH party is on the second floor. I think there were about eight of us. It was about even, male and female, but all mostly friends. If not, no one knew yet. The restaurant was busy and it took a while to get served anything other than water.

Keep in mind, we were teenagers on the loose, with time left on our hands waiting for the waiter. Small talk led to silly talk which led to strange thoughts. I said it was the ‘70s, right? A lot of giggling and outright guffaws ensued. For amazingly little reason.

Then we came up with a master plan. Someone had the bright idea that we could take the entire table of place settings without leaving a trace. I’ll cop to it being me because it sounds like something I would come up with (I was a writer even then), but I have no idea as to why. Probably because we were bored, left alone, and we could. I’ll also cop to it because what actually happened was excellent.

I put silverware up my sleeve. I would like to point out – just because – that I got a lot of wear out of that suit. I got married both times in that suit. It had a vest, so I think that was how I got plates. The napkin was easy. I think the girls got the glasses in their purses/bags. When we were done, there was nothing on the table but the tablecloth and centerpiece. And we did it in seconds – maybe almost a minute. And no other customer or waiter on the second floor noticed – like I said, it was really busy.

We sat there, full of pride and nervous as hell, and had a hard time acting serious. Finally, a waiter – I’m not even sure it was ours – walked by and actually turned around to gave us an inquiring look. And headed off, obviously intent on finding a manager. Which he did, of course.

In almost less time than it took to abscond with the dinnerware, we had the table set back up. Almost better than it had been when we arrived. The manager thought the waiter was a little off. That was one of the best spaghetti dinners I’ve ever had. I still feel a little bad about the waiter being “caught in the middle.” But other than that, it was one of the slickest thefts that never was.

Peace be with you.

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Sack Summer Hunger – Thanksgiving Edition

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Family, Food, Theology, writing — Leave a comment
November 19, 2016

fb_img_1479572463549I just got home a little while ago from helping to pick the food up from Metrocrest Social Services with members of Christ United Methodist Church to deliver Thanksgiving food to the Sack Summer Hunger (SSH) families. With the weather having turned cool, it was quite a bit different than the 90+ degrees weather we worked in during the summer. All of the volunteers were in excellent holiday sharing spirit as everyone helped get the vehicles loaded.

When most of the vehicles had been loaded, I headed out with the food for my SSH neighbors. It was the first time I had seen my “summer friends” since SSH ended for the summer on Saturday, August 6th. At the one house I delivered to, the father opened the door as I reached the porch with the food. At each of the two apartments, after a quick knock, they answered the door quickly. Everyone had smiles on their faces – they very much appreciated the food. And they were glad to see me, too. It was like a reunion at each home.

At the one apartment with the little girl that always comes to the door with her mother, the girl was more excited than usual. Partly, I think, because the food was in a sealed box – like a surprise package. Also partly because we were happy to see one another. We had shared smiles once a week all summer. As I was leaving, after I said “Happy Thanksgiving,” the little girl said “thank you, thank you, Happy Thanksgiving, thank you….” and she kept expressing her joy as her mother closed the door.

I don’t deliver the food to hear “thank you.” I do it because it’s the Christian thing to do. But hearing the little girl still talking as I walked down the stairs was a really nice bonus.

I leave you with the video for my song What the Lord Intends (Sack Summer Hunger). Peace be with you.

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What the Lord Intends (Sack Summer Hunger) Video

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Family, Food, Music, Songwriting, Sound, Theology, writing — Leave a comment
November 16, 2016

Here is the video for my song, What the Lord Intends (Sack Summer Hunger). The video was filmed and produced by Marcus Belmore. The song was produced by my son, Daniel “Conner” Roark. It is the bonus song on my new cd of live songs, Peace Be With You. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel while you’re there. Also, please like my Facebook music page.

Peace be with you.

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