Since it is Autism Awareness Month, here is a video of my song about those on the autism spectrum – Hello Out There.
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It’s odd how things turn out. You can attribute it to it being a small world, but that does not explain the timing of the incident. God has a hand in it, but he has a lot of things to deal with more important than a chance meeting. Then again, sometimes God’s hand is enough. Be that as it may, these instances are enjoyable to be part of. Reinforces your faith, as it were.
My first night playing at Michael’s Sports Grill on Josey in Farmers Branch, I was hoping someone would come. It had been raining for a couple of days. I was happy to see a friend from church walk in the door. It was Marthann Daft – the purple lady to those who know her (and some who don’t, come to think about it).
Marthann sat at the bar and struck up a conversation with a couple while I was playing. [I’ve been playing long enough to realize that – as long as you play well – they hear you and appreciate you.] Anyway, it turns out that the woman was not only in dentistry – as Marthann has been for decades – but she also knew Marthann’s son, David, who has not been with us for quite some time. Marthann felt as though she had a momentary time with David while connecting with part of his past. I know that through experience, but that is another post.
On another night when I was playing at Michael’s, my daughter, Jennifer, came to hear me. She also sat at the bar. And, again, a couple came in and sat at the bar – Justin and Monica Blackburn. After my last set, Justin helped me get everything in my car except my guitar. Then he and Monica bought me a beer while we talked for a while.
If you recognized the last name and have ever put Blackburn’s preserves, jellies, etc., on your toast, Justin is a part of that family. TJ Blackburn Syrup Company, Inc. is located in Jefferson, Texas. My wife, Cyndy,s, family on her mother’s side is from Jefferson. We own the part of the family land that her mother left her. Justin and I spent time talking about Jefferson before I left.
We all know it’s a small world. Come see me at Michael’s Grill (Fridays and Saturdays 7 – 9 p.m.) – or any of my shows – and you never know who you might run into. At the very least, we can run into each other. That works for me.
Peace be with you.
In the shuttle on the way to LAX after the ASCAP Expo last year, Cameron and I were chatting with the driver. In the LA cross town traffic there was plenty of time to chat. There were the usual comments about the traffic, the weather, and the drought. When I told him we were from Texas, the conversation turned to food.
“What do you eat in Texas? I know it’s barbecue in Kansas and Tennessee, but what do you in Texas eat?”
When Cameron and I quit laughing, I decided to forego the pig-cow debate. He might not understand.
“We have barbecue, too. No matter what size town you go to in Texas, you can be sure there’s a barbecue place.”
“Oh, kind of like burritos out here, huh?” 
I guess it’s all in your perspective.
Peace be with you.
E-Flat Porch Band
At the Poor David’s Pub Open Mic on Monday, February 15, we had the good fortune to hear the E-Flat Porch Band as the featured act. The band consists of Duane Brown on guitar and Rudy Littrell on the upright bass. Although Rudy sits while he plays, so it’s more like a leaning bass.
But the way he played it made how he played it irrelevant. And Duane was an excellent compliment on guitar.
The band opened the KNON Blues Fest at Poor David’s and Troll invited them to be featured at the open mic. Those who were there for the open mic were glad he did. They played a set that included some standard blues tunes, such as a Robert Johnson song, and Mance Lipscomb’s Relax Your Mind. The duo also played their own song, Sugarcane, that pretty much pulled out all the stops on both bass and guitar.
If you get the chance to see the E-Flat Porch Band, do yourself a favor and do so. From jokes to stories to dueling harmonicas, Duane and Rudy are the complete entertainment package. They have been playing together for twenty years and it shows in their natural camaraderie and harmonious musicality. Blues, Folk, Americana – roots music at it’s best. You need to check out the E-Flat Porch Band.
Peace be with you.
Mr. Troll – Host of Poor David’s Pub Open Mic
As I mentioned in the last – and other – post(s), at open mics, the opening spot is, as Mr. Troll likes to say, the dreaded opening spot. I’m not sure dreaded is the term. Maybe, avoided like the plague. But there are actually reasons for both why it is a dreaded spot, and why the host opens the show. But one thing at a time.
The most obvious reason for the first slot not being filled is that there are not that many people in the venue at starting time. And there is no time to read the crowd. On the other hand, there are times when someone needs to leave early so they want to play first. As well as those who want to go first while they still have the nerve.
Of course, a lot of people just “don’t want to go first.” I’m sure there’s a chapter in some psychology book on the subject. I sit in the category of “I’d rather not go first.” I don’t mind going first if necessary. But that brings into play the fact that if you do something and do it well, people will want you to do it all the time. Be that as it may, I’m thinking most of us have had an experience growing up when going first simply did not go well.
But the reason the host of an open mic or showcase will open the show is not just because it is the dreaded spot. But it does have a connection to not wanting to go first. If people have not arrived yet, and there’s only a handful of people in the venue, the host can delay the start of the open mic. If there hasn’t been a major influx of people, it would not change the number of songs the performers play.
However, with a showcase, the host’s set would be cut short so that his or her set is the only one affected by the delay of the starting time. As showcase director for the Dallas Songwriters Association, when I plan the showcases that I host, I expect my set to be cut short. There are numerous reasons why a show may be delayed. And there only needs to be one.
So those are my thoughts on the “dreaded opening spot.” I’d be interested to hear your thoughts if you would leave them in the comments.
Peace be with you.
Jeff Hopson
The Poor David’s Pub open mic on Monday (the 8th if you were napping) began the way most of them do – with Mr. Troll in the “dreaded opening spot” (look for an upcoming post on that). Mike Donahue played a mixture of originals and cover songs on the keyboard. I followed Mike with three of my songs, ending with Chocolate Eclairs and Apple Fritters. Since we started late, the featured artist, Jeff Hopson, followed me.
Jeff Hopson has a strong grip, a twinkle in his eye, and his presence commands a second look. He appears to be a cross between Charlie Daniels, David Allan Coe, and Hank Williams Jr. And yet – while there are similiarities – he actually doesn’t really look like any of them. He looks like Jeff Hopson and carries it with character. His songwriting talent is on par with any of the songwriters he appears to resemble.
Hopson doesn’t take himself too seriously. Which is clearly evident in Jeff’s 
songs. Particularly a song such as If Jesus was a Texan. When he asked if anyone knew who Jack Kerouac was, and nearly everyone raised their hand, Hopson commented that it was the most people at any one show that had responded positively. Then he played his introspective song, Kerouac On the Run.
Jeff’s set also included Novel Sort of Man. Which is the type of country song with some depth and clever word play. No obligatory mention of trains, trucks, or Texas destinations. The only name he dropped was Clark Gable – and he would have appreciated the reference.
You can hear Jeff Hopson and the Heretics on Tuesday nights at the open mic at Tavern on Main Street in Richardson. The music begins at 8 p.m. He is an attentive and appreciative host. And they have good food and drinks as well.
Charlotta Clutter
John Mason and Brad Eubanks, respectively, followed Jeff Hopson. You can hear John Mason on February 16 at the Dallas Songwriters Association third Tuesday showcase at Sons of Hermann Hall. After Brad Eubanks played, Troll introduced Charlotta Clutter.
Charlotta Clutter is a young woman from New Hampshire. When I met Charlotta, she made me think of beatniks – not the totality of the reality, but simply the sense of non-conformity. Her eyes revealed an innocence belying the things to come. Combined with self-reliance for what is known and acceptance of – and openness to – what is to come. A readiness to turn any new lessons learned into a song and move on to the next lesson. An introverted extrovert. (I’ll wait for you to either look them up, or, more likely, say “I can relate.”)
Charlotta has a casual stage presence that reminded me of women folk singers in the sixties and seventies. An intentional reliance on the song itself to make the point and the confidence that it would. And she’s also funny as hell. 
“Do you go to the dump here?” Of course everyone laughed. When we say the dump, we mean the furniture store. “Back home we go to the dump once a week to see what everyone is throwing away and socialize.”
I’m not exactly sure what the name of the song is, other than possibly, The Dump. But it tells about a woman going to the dump and discovering that her ex had thrown away their dirty secrets in a clear plastic bag, for everyone to see. Causing humorous reactions.
Charlotta’s other two songs were Playing Second Fiddle to a Fiddle and Alphabet of Regrets. All three songs have interesting word play and twists. You can hear her yourself at the DSA Tuesday Showcase/Open mic mentioned earlier. Dean Harlem, also from New Hampshire, opened his set with a Townes Van Zandt tune. He will be at the open mic as well.
Flight School Nurses, a DJ, took the evening’s music in a whole new direction, with colorful lights. The inimitable Tin Man Travis followed him. Then David Lavinette took the stage. If I’m not mistaken, the evening ended with a jam that included Carlos Sanchez, Tin Man Travis, who knows who all, and Troll on his new conga drums.
Peace be with you.
Pastor Cassie Wade introducing me
I would like to thank the congregation of Jacksboro FUMC for their gracious welcome, and their generosity with the love offering at my show. They invited Cyndy and I to worship with them at the service, and I sang Follow the Angels for the offertory and played on the two closing hymns. Following the service, Pastor Cassie Wade and her husband, Kelly, served lunch at the parsonage for the four of us, and Karlene Boucher, the Choir Director. We had a nice visit over a lunch of hamburgers and potato salad, with strawberries, angel food cake, and whipped cream for dessert.
Cyndy and I have known Cassie and Kelly for years. Among other things, it was a day of 
interesting facts and occurrences. My family lived on Hollandale Avenue in Wichita Falls in the late ‘60s. It turns out that Karlene Boucher lives on Hollandale – and has for many years -although after we lived there. She drives down on Wednesdays and Sundays to Jacksboro.
But wait, there’s more. While we were in the worship service, our granddaughter, Kelley, was sitting with the Wade’s daughter, Amber, and her daughter (the Wade’s granddaughter – if you’re keeping score), at our home church, Christ UMC, Farmers Branch. Our son, Cameron, was keeping an eye on Kelley from the A/V booth. Interesting, is it not?
My show was from 3-4 p.m. The audience was very receptive and attentive. It made performing for them all that much more enjoyable. A number of them had very kind words after the show. I will share a video of some of the show when it’s complete.
Peace be with you.
In a previous open mic tales post, I talked about the two guitarists of West Texas Mammoths. David Kapsner and Michael Jekot played an acoustic set that night. Michael sat in with me on my song, Chocolate Eclairs and Apple Fritters. Monday night I had the pleasure – as did all those in attendance at the Poor David’s Pub open mic, hosted by Mr. Troll, to see the whole band play. There was a decent crowd, there for both the band and the open mic.
The duo played a very good acoustic set the previous time. The full band played a fantastic set equally as impressive as the acoustic show, but on a different level. That level was set by the punch and drive of Tyler Rosa on bass and Joseph Noga on drums. The set began with Backwoods, and One More Beer, from their three song EP. And every band needs a beer song. Red Dress, and Moth to Flame, preceded Wasted Days, the third song from the EP. So Cold came next.
Pistol Point was the next to last song, but was easily the best song of the set. All of WTM’s songs are steady 
driving songs with the nicely timed leads of Michael Jekot. Kapsner kept the rhythm in his own right as his vocals blended seamlessly into the songs. But, in Pistol Point, they pulled out all the stops. The band whipped into jam mode, with the two guitarists playing duel leads reminiscent of the Allman Brothers. Queen of Diamonds nicely wrapped up the set.
It is refreshing to hear a young rock band that is more into playing good music than outer trappings and a spastic stage show. They took control with the first song and never let go, with one song driving into the next. You have a chance to hear them for yourselves. They are playing at Trees tomorrow night with Bart Crow, Madison King, and Marcus Woolverton. Don’t miss the chance for a really good show.
Peace be with you.
If you weren’t at the inaugural DSA Third Tuesday Showcase/Open Mic, you really missed out – seriously. You missed out a great show. You missed out on playing the open mic. And you missed out on hearing music in Sons of Hermann Hall, a historic building with a history preceding Elm St./Deep Ellum and even country music (obviously not Elm St. the street, but the Elm St. of the blues). The acoustics in the Old Bowling Alley Ballroom need to be experienced. And, yes, it used to be a bowling alley.
Host Dan Roark played an abbreviated set due to circumstances. He included the Hitchhiking Song which is about an actual occurrence. Dan ended with River That Flows, one of his signature songs that he co-wrote with Tim Duggins.
Cat McGee
Cat McGee (don’t you love that name) played next and presented an excellent set of songs and stories. The soft-spoken nature of her speaking voice belies the power in her singing voice. She talked of the fellow worker who was pregnant and shared her experiences with Cat. Nine months later, she had a baby, and Cat had a song. You can hear her music and find out more on her website and her Facebook page.
Terry Bloss mentioned how lucky he was to be there. Sunday night he had no voice at all. But thanks to the tag team of God and his doctor, he was ready to sing. He did not play a full set, electing to ere on the side of caution. Terry did, however, perform some of his best songs. Which included a new song
Terry Bloss
entitled I’m Being Terrorized.
John Mason was the only singer/songwriter who signed up for the open mic. Which is a shame because there was a small, but enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed the songs and the music. John has a hypnotic voice and writes very good songs. He commented that he was there for the acoustics.
Those who didn’t come out missed the chance to play for that enthusiastic crowd and with the good acoustics. But never fear, you will have another chance on Tuesday, February 16th at the next Third Tuesday Showcase/Open Mic. The showcase performers will be announced later, but put it on your calendar so you can plan to join us for the showcase and play in the open mic.
John Mason
Peace be with you.
Platonic Mistress
Mr. Troll’s birthday is January 18th, which means this year it was on a Monday and coincided with the Poor David’s Pub open mic, which is hosted by …wait for it … Mr. Troll. As usual Carlos Sanchez was on sound with Samantha Sanders behind the bar. Poor David and the Mrs. even made an appearance. Again – as per usual – Troll took the “dreaded first slot.”
The regular suspects were in attendance and on the list – myself, Baylis Laramore, Darren Rozell, Tin Man Travis, and John Mason. Joe the Bear and David Lavinette played for the first time. Mike Randolph with his Moog Etherwave Theremin, made his second appearance. Scott Thornton was in the Philippines on an Zen retreat and was unable to make it.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Troll!
The featured artist was Platonic Mistress out of Ft. Worth. The trio of Fernando Page, guitarist and instigator, Rob Blevins on bass, and Dylan Rocamontes on drums played in-your-face rock and roll. On their Facebook page, they call it power pop or new wave with stinging alternative rock undertones, but, as Billy Joel said, “it’s still rock and roll to me.” Call it what you want, they did it well.
You can find their music on SoundCloud. At one point, Page told the crowd that he realized his finger was bleeding, and he apologized. Apparently a few days before he had played his fingernail to the quick. But why he apologized – and he apologized at least twice – I’ll never know. No one really noticed it before he said something. And after he mentioned it, it was all we could see. F.Y.I. to performers – don’t apologize – most of the audience will never know.
Regardless of the apologies, Platonic Mistress kept up the groove going and rocked the house. The trio has an undeniable chemistry combined with youthful energy. The singer-songwriters on the list provided an interesting counterpoint of age and wisdom. Not to mention the celebration of Troll’s birthday with two candles on a cookie cake (provided by Samantha) and a rousing Happy Birthday song. The evening ended – as open mics often do – with a jam.
Peace be with you.
Chasing After Wind 