Tag Archive: Dan Roark


Open Mic Tales – Richie Smith and “Usual Suspects”

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — 1 Comment
November 22, 2016
KristyLee Hair

KristyLee Hair

If you are a regular reader, you know that I am one of the rotating hosts of the Monday night open mic at Angela’s at the Crosswalk in Plano. There is a group of regulars that play the open mic, in large part due to the list being online the week before. But I say usual suspects (something a friend often says) tongue in cheek – they are neither usual nor actual suspects.

Take Monday the 14th for example. The first performer on the list was a no-show, so I played a couple of songs before KristyLee Hair played her set. KristyLee is charming, good-looking young woman from Prosper, Texas. She is a college student at UNT and has a beautiful voice. With another no-show, I invited her to extend her set.

I followed next in my scheduled spot. Mr. Joe played after me. Joe is a teacher who is called Mr. Joe at school. As he says, “the name just stuck” and he got used to it. He had recent throat issues. He tried to sing one, which we thought he did well. He didn’t think so though, so he played instrumentals.

Johnny Cromer played a few songs since we were still ahead of schedule. He returned to the mic to close out the evening in his scheduled spot at 9:30. Johnny is one of those stalwart open mic performers who shows up early on to support the other performers.

Pamela Pantea and Dianna Rice sang next when Richie Smith called and said he was running late. Pamela usually sings one song by herself

Dianna Rice and Pamela Pantea

Dianna Rice and Pamela Pantea

before Dianna joins her for the next two songs.  The two call themselves the Daughters of the Gospel. They sing hyms and Christian songs to tracks on the computer. And they sing them very well.

Richie Smith, who followed Pamela and Dianna, is an amazing young man whose story calls for it’s own post. Look for it shortly.

Allen Larson was on the list next. Allen is a good friend who is also a fellow member of the Dallas Songwriters Association. He plays a number of open mics around town. Check out his Facebook page for coming appearances with longer shows. But you can pretty much count on him being at Angela’s. He is also one of the rotating hosts of the open mic.

Joe Dan (JD) Webb decided recently that he was going to pick the guitar up regularly and get his chops back. He is making very good progress. Although he might tell you differently. Come out on a Monday to hear him and see for yourself. Let him know if you enjoy his set.

Tommy LeBoeuf has a pedal setup that includes a looper and other effects. Which is not unique, but not all that common with acoustic guitars. He plays cover songs and plays them as close to the original as he can with pedals and looper.

Johnny Cromer finished out the evening. Angela’s Monday night open mic is always an interesting mix of performers, some playing original songs, others playing cover songs, and a few playing both. Stay tuned for the post on Richie Smith. Watch my Facebook page for all the pictures.

Peace be with you.

 

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Sack Summer Hunger – Thanksgiving Edition

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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

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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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Open Mic Tales – Foreign Figures

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Music, open mic, Poetry, Songwriting, Sound, writing — Leave a comment
November 14, 2016

foreign-figuresThe featured artist at the Poor David’s Pub open mic, hosted by Mr. Troll, on Monday, October 24 was a band from Utah called Foreign Figures. Separately the band is Eric Michels – Vocals, Steve Michels – Drums, Seth Dunshee- Bass, and Johnny Tanner – Guitar. Collectively, they are one kickass ball of sound. For a band that has only been together for two years, the four young men seem naturally tight.

The energy of the members of Foreign Figures seems to be boundless. One of the unique things about the band is that they all play percussion at different times. They have a tom-tom, a floor tom, and a snare drum outside of Steve’s trap set. There were times when Seth Dunshee and Johnny Tanner would play their respective drums. Eric as well.

On one particular song, Steve left his drum set, set the beat on the tom-tom, then Dunshee took over the beat. Steve moved the snare drum, set the beat, then his brother, Eric, took over. Next was the floor tom before Tanner took over the beat, then back to the trap set. What followed was a percussive explosion with a back beat. They took us just short of overwhelming and brought it back around to an explosive conclusion. I’ve always loved a good drum solo and this was a drum solo on steroids.

But it wasn’t all about percussion. Tanner played the guitar like the old familiar friend I’m sure it has been. Dunshee placed the bass notes foreign-figures-2between percussion, guitar, and piano seamlessly, emphasizing notes when necessary. Eric Michels sang and danced or moved around with seemingly reckless abandon that was actually very good timing and planning.

It was the band’s first gig in Texas. We showed them they were welcome. If you get the chance to see Foreign Figures, don’t pass it up. As I said earlier, for a band only together for two years, these young men are tight. And as Troll said when he posted a picture of himself and Samantha Saunders (Bar Manager) with the band – “these guys rocked it.”

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – Emily Chambers

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October 20, 2016
Emily Chambers and Brendon Krieg

Emily Chambers and Brendon Krieg

On Monday, October 10th, at the Poor David’s Pub open mic hosted by Mr. Troll, we were treated to a dose of Canadian soul. Emily Chambers is a sultry voiced singer from Vancouver. Brendon Krieg, who is playing guitar for Emily on the tour, is also from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Ordinarily, he plays drums in the full band.

Her website says she “combines an old school Motown vibe with hints of hip hop and a little bit of Southern grit.” That hits it pretty close. She is also charming, amiable, and a bubbling personality on stage. With a voice that will lull you into a musical trance, then slap you in the face with sudden vocal intensity, before grooving through the end of the song.

Which is just another example of what you’re missing by not going to an open mic. But check out Emily’s website, listen to some songs, and buy the EP, Magnolia. Then watch for her tour news and let’s hope she comes back through Dallas next year.

I played my set just after Emily . As she was coming off the stage, I said, “sounded good!”

“Cheers,” she said.

Which is something we don’t hear a lot of in Texas. But it’s refreshing in a way. It’s always nice to share the stage with someone from another country and share music across borders.

Cheers. Peace be with you.

 

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JBL Harman Eon One Take Contest – AKG D5 Microphone

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Music, Recording, Songwriting, writing — 1 Comment
October 14, 2016

jbl-harman-truckI’m on the home stretch – catching up-wise. On September 28, I had the good fortune to play one of my songs for a video in the EON ONE Take – One Song One Take contest from JBL Professional and Harman. I had been picked from a large number of people to receive a slot. I arrived at the Harman truck in the Guitar Center parking lot in Farmers Branch before my required time. I signed the required form and waited my turn.

J.T. – I’m pretty sure that was his name – had me tune and set up, then do a sound check. When the red line came on, I played my newest song at the time – Peace Be With You, which I wrote about the strange year we’re having and the shooting during the protest in downtown Dallas. [A live version will be available soon.] J.T. seemed to like the song. I’m sure he has to be careful lest someone misunderstand. He explained how the contest would go from there.

The tour around the country concludes about the end of October. Voting will take place the first couple of weeks in November and the top ten finalists will be picked and notified. I’m not sure how the grand prize winner will be picked from the finalists, but the grand prize is a trip to LA to record the song at a noted studio.                                                                                                                                                              akg-d5

As I thanked J.T. and left, he handed me an AKG D5 microphone for recording the video and entering the contest. I used the microphone when I hosted the Monday open mic at Angela’s at the Crosswalk a week ago Monday and the mic performed beautifully. A very clear sounding mic without any of the annoying whine or scream on the high end. At $99, it’s a great deal.

Hopefully, I’ll be asking for your help to do whatever I have to do should I be chosen as a finalist. But I’m not holding my breath.

Peace be with you.

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DSA Fundraiser Showcase at FBC Duncanville

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Food, Music, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
October 9, 2016

the-audienceCatching up continues… On Saturday, September 16th, at Duncanville First Baptist Church, members of the Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) presented a showcase in Fellowship Hall. Church members each gave a $10 donation and each couple brought a covered dish. Potluck dinners are always an adventure into home cooking and that dinner was no exception. There were the standard sides (albeit made differently) as well as some unique creations – all of it delicious.

During dinner, Dickey Johnson and Barbe McMillen played some standards in a couple

Dickie Johnson and Barbe McMillen

Dickie Johnson and Barbe McMillen

of genres. After dinner, following the announcements by Bobby Montgomery, the two played a few of Barbe’s original songs. Bobby is a DSA board member and member of Duncanville FBC.

Montgomery followed the duo and played his songs that other members consider “country standards.” Bobby’s songs take the listener back to simpler days, slamming screen doors, and family nights around the kitchen. There is a sense of smoothness and serenity in Montgomery’s songs.

Harry Hewlett

Harry Hewlett

Harry Hewlett took the stage next. Harry takes the smoothness and serenity in Bobby’s songs, dries them for days in the west Texas sun, drags them through the dirt, and tops them off with dry humor. Hewlett’s songs make listeners laugh at themselves while blushing because they did so.

DSA President Michael Brandenberger then played some jazzy originals. I followed Michael. I played my song for those on the autism spectrum, Hello Out There, followed by What the Lord Intends, about the Sack Summer Hunger program. I ended with Peace Be With You, about the police shootings during the protest among other events of this strange year, and Will the Circle (Be Unbroken).                                                                                                                                     dan-roark-2

Ian Dickson and Paul Martin Zander concluded the show. They played for about thirty minutes and switched between songs by Ian and songs by Paul. Their set included my favorite song of Ian’s, his song about a pickup line that includes Jimmy Hoffa, the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, and Amelia Earhart.

Those in attendance enjoyed the show immensely and told us so. This is the second year for the DSA fundraiser, and it continues to be successful. Check out the calendar on the DSA website and follow the association on Facebook – where you will find more pictures from this event. Visit us at any DSA events.

Peace be with you.

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Taste of Texas Songwriters Showcase

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October 6, 2016
Brittnee Belt

Brittnee Belt

Okay, still trying to catch up….I had the privilege of being included in the Taste of Texas Songwriter Showcase at Stan’s Lakeview Draft House in the Colony on Friday, September 9th. Brittnee Belt, of Pink Couch Studios, was the host. She is also the booking agent for Stan’s. Some of the performers at her showcases came through her music school.

Ashton Edminster opened the show with an

Ashton Edminster

Ashton Edminster

hour set. I believe Ashton is 15 years old. She kept on rolling, even after having feedback issues. I followed Ashton and played a half hour set. I began with Hello Out There, my song for those on the autism spectrum. Then, looking out at the crowd, I realized that 8:30 on Friday night was not the time for a soulful, introspective songs. So I switched the next two songs with humorous songs and finished the set as planned.

Seventeen year old Harper Grace spends time in Nashville writing and co-writing songs. She has a natural grace and is improving in live performance. One could tell she was intentional in what she did and how she moved and performed.

Jade Nickol followed Grace. It was difficult to keep their ages straight, because all the girls were teenagers. I think she was sixteen. Jade has an easy going style, not taking herself too seriously.

Layne Elizabeth

Layne Elizabeth

Next was 14 year old Layne Elizabeth. Brian Lambert, who came next and has been part of the Denton scene for years, and I were watching the girls perform. We  were commenting to each other – noticing things they said or did that will change or cease as they improve or simply in time. Watching Layne I turned to Brian and said, “I like her.” She made no bones about not knowing anything much about love. Her songwriting belies her young age.

Brian Lambert is broadening his reach to Dallas and beyond. He plays at Adair’s Saloon in Deep Ellum on most Mondays. One of the four songs he played was his Ballad of Tony Romo. He plays with the band My Kickdrum Heart when not playing solo.

Jacob (Cob) Vaughn played an interesting set on electric guitar. He had some good songs. Despite his opening line: “You’ve heard a lot of good songs tonight. That ends now.” He will be playing in an Afton Show at Poor David’s Pub on November 17.

Look for more pictures on my Facebook pages. You can also like my music page and send a friend request on my personal page while you’re there. Just saying.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – The Proposal (Seriously)

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September 15, 2016

shaquilla-hooks-and-chris-hatcherI hosted the Monday night open mic at Angela’s on Sept. 5th. As it turns out, I’ll be hosting the open mic every third Monday, with some exceptions. Be that as it may, on the fifth I opened the show. People began to show up as I finished my set. Bah Jaz followed me with some nice instrumentals on guitar.

Keith Dzygun (Dijun) played next with some cover tunes. Rachel Stokes followed with a bass player and guitar player – collectively called Salt and Light. Temi George was next, followed by Johnny Cromer. Then Allen Larson played his usual eclectic set. Pamela Pantea and Dianna Rice harmonized nicely on some standard hymns. Eric Jones played a nice set of his tunes.

During Eric’s set, Shaquilla Hooks, who had signed up to be next online just that evening, made sure I knew she had signed up. It had occurred to me earlier to check online for new signups, so I knew. I asked her what she was going to play or need. She said she was just reading poetry. So I thought, cool, some spoken word.

Shaquilla sat on the stool, grabbed the mic, and started reading a poem. It was a nice poem and I was getting in to it. I began to wonder where it was going. It was obviously about a particular person. She became nervous and it showed in her reading of the poem. She reached a point, looked behind me, and continuing the poem she said “Will you marry me?”

The person behind me was Chris Hatcher, who works at Angela’s. Naturally, he said yes, and everything stopped while they hugged and she cried. With time left, and no one else signed up, Eric played a few more tunes. During which time I took the picture shown here. It was the first proposal I have seen at an open mic – much less one I was hosting.

Have you ever had someone propose at your open mic? Or something similar?

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – Jared and the Jewelers

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September 14, 2016

jared-and-the-jewelers

I’m taking a break from recording to catch up on posts. When Troll posted the event page for Poor David’s Pub open mic that said Jared and the Jewelers were the next featured artist for open mic, I was naturally curious. Obviously, Jared was making use of his name. Was it his first name or last name? Did he have anything to do with the jewelry store?

After Troll began the evening – as usual – and Chris Weising and Rickey Gene Wright played their sets, my questions were answered. Troll had informed me earlier that Jared was his first name. Either way, if my name was Jared, that is exactly what I would call my band. The band consists of Jared Caraway on guitar and vocals, Arik Harris on bass, and Francisco Gonzalez on drums.

They define their music as heartfelt alternative rock with pop sensibilities. I would like to add energetic and kick-ass. Caraway put as much into his stage moves as he did into guitar playing and vocals, without detracting from either. Harris kept the low end going smoothly, with Gonzalez steady on the backbeat.

Larry Pevey followed the band. Regulars wrapping up the evening included myself, Gary Hurst, Darren Rozell, Scott Thornton and John Mason. It was a good show, regardless of the small crowd. If you get a chance, and want to hear some good music, check out the Poor David’s Pub open mic. Then check out other open mics – including Dallas Songwriter events. If you get a chance to see Jared and the Jewelers, definitely do that, too. You won’t regret it if you do any of them, but you might as well do them all. Just saying.

Peace be with you.

 

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