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Carlos Sanchez Receives DSA Sound Man of the Year Award

Filed under: Current events, Music, Recording, Songwriting, Sound, writing — Leave a comment
December 11, 2015

Carlos and Dan Monday, November 30th, at Poor David’s Pub, was not only the regular open mic, but a birthday party for the sound man, Carlos Sanchez. Even though his birthday was actually on Sunday. Open mic started a little late, giving some of the band members time to get there and set up. There was to be a featured artist, Daze of the Moon at 8:30, with Carlos and the Ghoulies playing at 9.

The open mic started about 8 – rather than the customary 7:30 – with the host, Mr. Troll. He played two songs, one of which was Cry. It is my favorite of Troll’s songs. Cyndy made a point of telling Troll how much she liked the song – not knowing it was my favorite.

Troll then introduced PDP owner, David Card,

David Card

David Card

who played a song for Carlos. He had just finished the song a couple of hours earlier. It was a humorous, as well as touching, tribute to Carlos. Craig Langford played next. Craig is a good songwriter with a unique voice. Follow the link to hear his music or check out his music on iTunes.

I followed Craig. Before I played my two songs, I ask Carlos up to the stage. As Showcase Director for the Dallas Songwriters Association, I presented Carlos with the inaugural DSA Sound Man of the Year Trophy for his sound work on the DSA quarterly showcase/fundraisers and his work in general. Carlos recorded the shows and gave them to us on cds. He is easily one of the best sound men in Dallas.
Dan Roark 1
One of the songs I played was a new song I wrote with Carlos in mind, called the Sound Man. When Daze of the Moon finally came on they played a tight, rocking set. They call their music alternative rock, but it simply sounded like rock and roll to me. And that’s a good thing. Carlos and the Ghoulies jammed the house down, with open mic continuing after they left the stage.

It was a great night of music to celebrate Carlos Sanchez’s birthday. And his sound work. Congratulations to Carlos – DSA Sound Man of the Year!

Peace be with you.

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Another Entry in the Small World Category

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Marie, D.B. (Daniel), and Mary Lou

Marie, D.B. (Daniel), and Mary Lou

I stopped at Office Depot to pick up the programs for the Dallas Songwriters Association Song Contest Awards Ceremony Tuesday afternoon. After getting the programs, I went to buy a bottle of water from the other clerk because I left my bottle at the house. The price tags on the different waters were not clear. I took a couple of different waters to the counter and ask what the prices were. He checked and I put the one back I didn’t want.

When I handed him my card, he looked at the name.

“Daniel Roark, I knew a Daniel Roark once.”

“Well, we’re probably related.” There are a quite a few Roarks in the area and the state.

He kept running the card and finishing the transaction. His name tag said Richy, but no last name.

“That was a long time ago,” he was saying under his breath, “Levitz Furniture.” He shook his head.

I perked up. “Did you say Levitz Furniture?”

“Yes.”

“That was my uncle!”

“Really?

I nodded yes.

“What would that make him now, 100?”

“Close to.”

“Well, then.” And he shook my hand.

I smiled, and thanked him. As I was leaving, I made a mental note to call Dad. He would love the story. I knew my uncle as D. B. Roark. Which he went by, like my grandfather. Which is also why I didn’t put it together until Richy mentioned Levitz.

The huge Levitz Furniture showroom was west of I-35 just north of the Continental exit – where the SoftLayer company is now – at, approximately, 1329 N Stemmons Fwy . And, yes, it was a long time ago. I remember going there with my parents to shop for furniture one time. It was a cavernous store. I’ve never seen as many bedroom suites again in my life. They seemed to go on forever. And being a huge warehouse /showroom, the lighting was not all that bright.

That was one of the few times I saw D. B. before I was in high school. D. B. was an entrepreneur of sorts. Until I was in high school, there were periods when we didn’t talk about D.B. and Mary Lou. Particularly when we were at Aunt Marie’s or Aunt Juanita’s houses. Mom just told me not to ask. Then, in high school, they started coming to family events again. Which they continued to do.

When we went to Levitz that day, the first salesman we ran into went to tell D. B. we were there. While D. B. was showing us furniture, we met a few more employees. I was just following my Dad, Mom, and D. B. around, not at all interested. I was a teenage boy and it was furniture, for God’s sake. Nothing in the experience led me to believe, or even imagine, that 40+ years later I would run into a Levitz ex-employee at an Office Depot in Addison.

Even better, what are the odds that Richy was one of the employees I met that day?

Peace be with you.

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Aunt Marie’s 95th Birthday Party

Filed under: Current events, Family, Theology, writing — Leave a comment
December 4, 2015

seated l-r: Kelley, Marie, Martha, and Mom, standing (in green), Cyndy

seated l-r: Kelley, Marie, Martha, and Mom, standing (in green), Cyndy

A while back, I wrote about my family having to move my Aunt Marie to assisted living and my receiving her Hammond organ that she and I would play when I was in high school. Her birthday party on Sunday, November 29, was the first time I had seen Marie since she moved into Brookdale. My parents, daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughter, Kelley, met us there. Dad met Cyndy and I in the lobby and took us back.

When we approached the door to the wing, I looked up at the sign at the side of the door. It said, “Memory Care Neighborhood.” That was the first time I had seen the phrase and I thought it was perfect. And that was before I entered the neighborhood.

In my experience with senior living centers – which increases with the passing of time – in each area, there is one employee that the residents cling to, as it were. In the memory care neighborhood, it was Barbara. When she first began working there, she wore red shoes all the time. When she was not there, the residents would ask where the lady with the red shoes was.

There is a reason for that. She was the “mayor” of the neighborhood. She helped our

l-r: Mom, Barbara, Jennifer, and Kelley

l-r: Mom, Barbara, Jennifer, and Kelley

family get situated with Marie in a room where we could converse. Marie insisted that her best friend, Martha, be there. Marie seemed to be more grounded when Martha was with her. Martha is her constant anchor to the present. Regardless of how her memory might fail her, Martha was there. And if Martha was there, all was right with the world.

While we were talking to Marie, I was still unsure what to say. I kept constant eye contact, but we had little interaction. However, our eyes said plenty. There were flashes where I had no doubt she knew who I was (my red hair helped – she always liked my hair. It’s as long now as it was then, but not quite as red. When she would see me on holidays during high school and after, she would feel my hair after we hugged.).

Dad and Jennifer

Dad and Jennifer

Then there were times when her mind would drift. But Martha was there, so it was okay. Marie was happier than I have seen her for years, particularly since my uncle Pick passed away. This was the deliriously happy with life Marie that used to skip church and take Dennis and I to Six Flags – riding all the rides with us. The Marie that listened and watched carefully when I played my songs on family occasions.

After Jennifer and Kelley helped Barbara and the staff divvy up the cake for everyone in the neighborhood, we went into the dining room. Dad helped scoop the ice cream to go with the cake. Jennifer helped serve. We all had a nice visit and party. Our family interacted with several residents. Of course the writer in me didn’t miss much.

Cyndy and I hugged Marie good-bye, as did the rest of the family, and we left after thanking Barbara for her help and dedication to the residents. She said that was where God led her to be. We told her that her dedication illustrated her faith.

Marie had a wonderful birthday – with family, if only briefly in recognition. She was with her best friend, Martha, and her neighbors. Barbara was there to take care of her. And God will take care of the rest.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – West Texas Mammoths

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December 3, 2015

West Texas Mammoths

West Texas Mammoths

Open Mic Tales will be a regular feature since the stories keep turning up. If I run out of stories – which is highly unlikely – there are open mic hosts and performers that could fill in the gaps. There is a lot of good music being played at open mics in the Dallas area. With many interesting stories of those who were passing through and showed up at an open mic. It is my intent to feature some of the better singer/songwriters as well as to share some of those interesting stories.

The first featured act is the West Texas Mammoths. To be truthful, only two of the band members were playing at Poor David’s Pub open mic with Mr. Troll: David Kapsner, and Michael Jekot. David is the lead singer and guitarist and Michael is the lead guitar player. I’m looking forward to seeing the entire band play live. The other members are Tyler Rush, on bass, and Joseph Noga on drums. They say their music is a unique flavor of blues inspired rock and roll with a southern twist. And that’s pretty much “on the money,” as it were.

With just David and Michael playing, it was simply good acoustic music. Mike was playing lead (and playing it well) on a dobro. They reminded me of myself and Joel Nichols in Southern Plains before Joel passed away in 1999. When I played my set, I asked Mike to come up and play lead. As it happened, I had decided to bring my dobro that night, so it was dueling dobros on my song, Chocolate Eclairs and Apple Fritters. It took me back to when I was playing with Joel.

So check out the West Texas Mammoths when you have a chance. They are playing at Three Links in Deep Ellum on December 19. Or you can check them out on their website or on Reverbnation, Facebook, or Twitter. Tell Mike and David, Dan said hi.

Peace be with you.

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Video Test

Filed under: Music, Songwriting — Leave a comment
November 28, 2015

This is just a test to see how the video works.

Peace be with you.

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Tone Shop Guitars

Filed under: Current events, Music, Music stores, Recording, Songwriting — Leave a comment
November 23, 2015

Tone Shop In case you don’t know, there is a new guitar shop on Midway, just north of Beltline, in Addison – Tone Shop Guitars. Co-owners Tommy Roberts, Grant Sheffield and staff will be happy to show you around. They have one of the few Taylor rooms in the country. For the uninitiated, they have a partnership with Taylor and have a room dedicated to Tayor guitars.

Tone Shop also has an extensive line of Martin guitars in a separate room with other guitars. Then there is the amp room. And the wall of electric guitars, as well as other guitars and basses hung around the showroom. You can see the layout in the pictures. They also have vinyl records.
Tone Shop 2
Having only been open a little over six months, their concentration is on guitars, basses, and amps. The accessories and sound equipment “departments” are works in progress. It is safe to say that they are, literally, just getting started. Tommy refers to it as a “Mom and Pop” operation (although I think “Pop and Pop” would be closer to the truth). Regardless, they are locally owned and operated. Which is a plus in several ways, one of which is the personalized service from a neighbor, who listens to what you’re saying and pays attention to what you need. The Dallas Songwriters Association will be working with the Tone Shop on a special event or two, beginning with a workshop.
Tone Shop 4
So drop in and see Tommy and Grant. Play a few guitars – there is sure to be one, or several, that you like. Test out an amp or two. Pick up strings, replace your humidifier or pouches, and buy that accessory you’ve been considering. Tell them I said “hi.” And follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Peace be with you.

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Colby Morgan and Janet Gordon Wedding

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November 19, 2015

12265942_1130941813597375_3354839115745609285_oI attended Colby and Janet’s wedding this past Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Sweet Basil Restaurant at Midway and Trinity Mills. Colby plays bass with me and I went to high school with Janet. If you have never been to a musician’s wedding, it is an interesting experience (not odd, just interesting). Particularly, at an Italian Restaurant. The ceremony, of course, did not begin at 5:30, but no one really expected it to.

While we waited, we mingled. Most of the conversation – other than the usual small talk in a room where not everyone knows everyone else – centered around our latest projects and recent and upcoming gigs. Then there was the musical small talk. I’ve never looked at a wedding as a networking opportunity, but in this instance, it came about naturally.

When the ceremony was about to begin, Colby and the groomsmen, along with Jimmy Wallace – who was 12027192_1130941793597377_1622934888352586682_o presiding over the wedding – stood at the “front” of the room. Janet’s bridesmaids – her sisters, Lisa and Dawn (who was in my class in high school), walked up the aisle separately. Then Janet walked up the aisle.

In the wedding picture is, from left to right: Rockin’ Robert T. Tomberlin, Jim Webb, Jimmy Wallace, Colby Morgan, Janet, Lisa, and Dawn Gordon. Jimmy did a fine job of presiding over the ceremony. The verses were both fitting and appropriate, as were the few jokes, and spontaneous comments from the audience. It certainly qualified as a beautiful wedding.

J.W. Hammett, Janet, and Colby Morgan. I took this with J.W.'s camera.

J.W. Hammett, Janet, and Colby Morgan. I took this with J.W.’s camera.

Most of the people stayed for dinner. Jimmy had to leave to do something before the Stratoblasters show at Tolbert’s Restaurant in Grapevine that night. One of the waiters seemed to get confused, so it took a bit longer to get served the entree after the salad or soup. The food, however, was very good.

I ate some of the dinner and then asked for a container and my dessert to go. I needed to deliver my granddaughter, Kelley’s, birthday present. From the amount of to go containers being passed out, I would shortly be followed by others. I gave my congratulations (again), my hugs, and good-byes, and headed out. Of course it was raining again when I stepped outside.

But the rain couldn’t dampen the occasion. It was a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends – old and new – to celebrate a coming together of two souls in love. Congratulations Colby and Janet!

Peace be with you.

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Small World, Schlotzsky’s, and Poor David’s Pub

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November 11, 2015

[Possible bonus points: 10]

On Monday nights, I usually play at Mr. Troll’s open mic at Poor David’s Pub. It’s the best listening room in town and Carlos Sanchez is the best sound man in town. Troll also let’s me talk about the Dallas Songwriters Association before my set. But the point is that I stop by Schlotzsky’s on the way because dinner usually isn’t ready when I leave. I go the location on Midway, just south of Spring Valley, before getting on the tollway.

I walked into Schlotzsky’s and stood back looking at the menu. The young man that has helped me out for the past several weeks (and seems like he’ll be there a while, unlike some) told the girl behind the cash register to treat me right because I was one of his best customers. She smiled, and he added that I would tell him if she didn’t treat me well. By this time, I was smiling, too.

I looked at the menu while she stood, patiently waiting. I considered having salad and perhaps soup as a pick two deal. Then I smiled and shook my head.

“I’ll just go for the same old thing. I thought about having a salad, but I have a show tonight and it’s hard to eat salad.”

“Show? What do you do?” she asked as she rang up my sandwich and chips.

“I’m a singer/songwriter.”

“Oh, really? Where do you play?”

“Well, I’m playing at an open mic at Poor David’s Pub tonight, but I play places around here quite a bit.”

While we were talking, I reached into my pocket for a business card.

“I have a friend,” she was saying, “he plays music and he moved…”

She stopped as she looked at my card. She looked at me kind of puzzled.

“Do you have a son?”

“Yes,” I answered, not bothering to add that I have three sons.

“Conner?”

“Yes, I’m Conner’s father.”

“Conner, that just moved to California?”

“Yes.”

“We’re Facebook friends. We have been since early in high school.”

“Tell him you saw me.”

“I will,” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Martha.”

“Dan.”

I waited for my sandwich, left, and headed for the tollway.

You get the 10 bonus points if you figured out that Conner was the friend she was about to tell me about when she read my card.

Peace be with you.

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Rusty Weir Songwriting Contest First Week Auditions

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November 10, 2015

Brett Dillon and Ian Dickson

Brett Dillon and Ian Dickson

I went last Tuesday to week one of the auditions for the Rusty Weir Songwriting Contest, put on by KHYI and Love and War in Texas in Plano. I went to support friends, and Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) members, Mr. Troll, and Ian Dickson. All eight songwriters had very good songs to perform.

Host, Brett Dillon, introduced the songwriters two at a time and they would switch off for each song.

Mr. Troll

Mr. Troll

Each songwriter played three songs. I arrived just as Brian Lambert and Charley Smith were wrapping up their songs. Byron Dowd and Mr. Troll were the second pairing.

Ian Dickson

Ian Dickson

Trace Bivens and Alex Lease switched songs next. Then Ian Dickson and Marina Rocksu ended the auditions with their three songs. The contest, or comradarie, as Dillon put it, is enjoyable on the entertainment side, but tough on the performer and competition side. For the audience, it’s a lot of good music for no cover with good food and beer.

I won’t be going to tonight’s auditions, because of the DSA 2nd Tuesday meeting. But there are excellent songwriters again tonight. Bayliss Laramore will be playing in next week’s auditions.

Peace be with you.

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Larry Beaird “Arranging the Hit” Songwriting Workshop

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November 8, 2015

IMG_1710[Re-post from DSA blog] Larry Beaird presented his “Arranging the Hit” songwriting workshop on Saturday, October 24 at the Kitchen Café. The workshop was held from noon – 4 p.m. The start was delayed for several minutes – through no fault of Larry’s. The restaurant offered a limited lunch menu for the workshop attendees. Quite a few people took advantage of the lunch offerings. The waitress, Maria, took care of business well, while taking care not to disturb the workshop.

When he began his presentation, he introduced himself while passing out entry forms for a drawing to win a $625 demo session at his Beaird Music Group recording studio in Nashville. He charted the number one country songs for the past two years. He used standards such as the Nashville number system, and the length of time between certain components of each song, as well as the structure of those components.

It was apparent at times, from the questions, that some of the songwriters in the room were concerned about their songs. Beaird was careful to point out several times that he was just talking about songs that had reached number one on the charts.

“Write your songs for you. I’m not telling you how to write your songs. I’m just talking about number one hits. There are aIMG_1711 lot of good songs out there. They just don’t make number one for whatever reason.”

I hesitate to give too much away out of respect to Larry and those in attendance. But I will let you in on a couple of key points. Every line of a song should point to the title. And the title should be in the last line of the chorus and the last line of the song.

Larry Beaird and DSA President, Michael Brandenberger

Larry Beaird and DSA President, Michael Brandenberger

Beaird spent the last hour of the workshop critiquing the songs that he had received beforehand. After locating the songwriter, he played the song, after which everyone applauded. Larry then critiqued the song, while also telling the songwriter what he liked. He made suggestions as to what they could do to improve the song. His suggestions were very good and well received.

The workshop went past 4 p.m. with people excited about the subject of songwriting. Question after question was asked. And answered fully by Larry. An enjoyable, successful day was had by everyone in attendance, with good food, good conversation, and an informative songwriting workshop. The workshop participants and DSA want to thank Larry for coming to Dallas to present his workshop for us. We will announce the winner of the drawing for the demo session when Larry lets us know.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

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