Tag Archive: Dan Roark


Open Mic Tales – You Sound Like…

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
August 30, 2016

Dan RoarkEvery now and then someone at an open mic tells me after my set that they think I sound like someone. It happens at other times, but it’s also unique to open mics because open mics tend to be held in the spirit of a mutual admiration society. The  comments, however, are usually sincere. Having people come just to listen and to hear it from them is a bonus.

An example of one of the other times was the church talent show on Sunday night. One of the youth said I reminded him of Jerry Jeff Walker. Another man said Arlo Guthrie. One guy said Judy Collins, but he was only talking about the folk scene in general. He had seen her perform in a folk club in Oklahoma in the ‘60s.

At Mr. Troll’s Poor David’s Pub Open Mic, someone said I sounded like John Prine. Which was nice because he is one of my mentors. But on another occasion a listener said I reminded him of Elvis Costello. Okay. If you take all of those mentioned here and put them on a page in Highlights Magazine -“ which does not belong” – Elvis Costello would pretty much stand out like a sore thumb. I regret not taking the time to ask him what song of mine brought Costello to mind. I like Elvis but I don’t know how I sound like him.

Who have people said you sounded like? I’m actually interested, so please comment.

Peace be with you.

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The Squirrel Episode -or- Squirrels in August

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Family, Pets, writing — Leave a comment
August 16, 2016

Squirrel 1I was letting the dogs, Buddy and Misty, out into the backyard. Buddy took off to make his rounds through the backyard. Misty, who is quite a bit older and heavier, rumbled out past the large trunk of the tree. When she was just past the tree, she stopped, looked up at the tree, and half-heartedly let out a quick bark. Then she turned her head back around as if to say “oh, the hell with it, it’s too hot,” and sauntered on to one of her favorite resting spots.

So I looked up at the tree, and sure enough, there was a squirrel hunkered down in the crook of the tree. I went to get my camera and he hadn’t moved. I walked up closer slowly while taking pictures. As you can see, the only thing he really moved was his eyes – and his head just a bit, as he looked at me. I imagined him talking to me and saying the following:

“Look, I don’t mind you taking pictures. In fact, take as many as you want. But please don’t tell those damn dogs I’m here. This is the coolest spot in the tree and I really don’t want to move right now.”

So I didn’t. I’ve felt like that myself. When I find a good spot that puts me in a good place, I want it to last as long as it can – Squirrel adon’t you? Come to think about it, most of my best memories are those times when I’ve found myself in a new good place, feeling the same way. I hope I’ll always have those memories. I have relatives and friends who have already lost some of their memories.

I’ll cherish those memories as long as I can. So that, in a tough period, I can pause and reflect and re-live those memories. So they can take me back to those good places. And I can get that sense of calm and peace again. Once again still wanting it to last forever.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – Adventures of a Guest Host

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Music, open mic, Songwriting, Sound, writing — Leave a comment
August 1, 2016

Dan at WildflowerI substituted for Mr. Troll at the Poor David’s Pub open mic last Monday night while he took care of personal business. Unlike other open mics I have hosted – including PDP open mic – Monday’s went relatively smoothly. One guy showed up after the show had started and wanted to sign up. But he wanted me to bump somebody from before the featured artist to after to accommodate him. Other than that though, it was a good show. It was as if we were doing it for Troll.

I opened the evening. I remembered to talk about the drink special, but I forgot to mention Carlos Sanchez on sound and to tell people to be sure to tip Leslie, the bartender. Shame on me. I told people about Carlos, just not on stage. Regardless, I played a good tight set. Mike Newkirk followed me. He performed well, despite having a sore throat previously. Jovani Flores played a good set, in his unassuming fashion.

Emma Walsh preceded the featured artist. As I said in my introduction, I have had the privilege of watching her grow in her musical career for the past few years. Her voice is mesmerizing, though it still has a ways to grow. She played a song she wrote about the shooting during the protest called I Said Hello to the Devil. It’s a nice song.

Sleepy Creek, the featured artist, took the stage next. I’ve been waiting to post for the names of the band members and haven’t heard back. I didn’t have a chance to write them down. But I do know that Joel Edgar Hill is the acoustic guitarist and lead singer. They are definitely a down home band. One of the songs I really liked was the song about cornbread and making it without sugar. A good time band with interesting stories to tell in a blues and Americana way.

Mike Freiley followed Sleepy Creek, then Wild Bill Skye before Darren Rozell played his three song set. Newcomers to the open mic, Travis Armes and Justin Kemp, both played a tight set. Gary Hurst and Tull Rea rounded out the evening. From first to last, it was an evening of good music. But that’s not uncommon at the Poor David’s Pub open mic. Just saying.

Peace be with you.

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When You’re Stopped Behind a Loaded Flatbed

Filed under: Current events, writing — Leave a comment
July 26, 2016

Stopped behind truckI don’t know if this happens with any of you. I don’t mean if you are ever stopped behind a truck, because I know most of you are – at some point – or have been in the past. But when I’m stopped behind a truck that has something strapped on at a slant, my mind wanders.

I begin to picture the straps coming loose and objects hurdling toward my car. In this case, the top few “slats” (or whatever they were) would have ended up in my chest, as close as I can determine.  And I had a feeling that the longer the light took to change, the better the chances were of that actually happening.  Which would only be true if the straps were slipping, but one never knows.

There are times on the highway when I’m passing one of those big flatbed trucks with a load of pipes approximately six inches in diameter. I get stuck beside it when traffic doesn’t move like I expected it to. Unlike the truck in the picture, not only is it two and a half times longer, but the pipes are shaking and the straps are straining. Then my mind goes into overdrive.

In both instances, the main thought that occupies my nervous mind is ” what would I do if they came loose?” Which leads very quickly to “what the hell can I do?” When the obvious answer is – not a damn thing. Which is disconcerting to me, because I drive with an awareness of what move I need to make at any moment.

I reach a point of calm panic. I can’t even enjoy the song on the radio that I like. Then the person who has been holding us up moves over.  I move on past the truck and the incident is over.  Until someone doesn’t drive like he should and the whole scene is replayed again. I consider myself lucky that none of the scenarios have come to pass. And then it occurs to me that it could still happen. Which guarantees the next time will be worse – in my mind.

Anyone else have the same sort of thing happen to you?

Peace be with you.

 

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Chocolate Eclairs, Apple Fritters, and Weird Times at DSA Showcase

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Food, Music, Songwriting, Stuttering — Leave a comment
July 25, 2016

Chocolate Eclair and Apple Fritter

To take it in order – besides, it’s the first picture – Chocolate Eclairs and Apple Fritters is a song of mine. I call it my pastry song. I always play it when I play at Angela’s because they’re known for their tasty pastries. As I was waiting for the showcase to get started, Bayliss Laramore, a friend and fellow songwriter, brought me a box from Dunkin Donuts. In it – as you see in the picture- was a chocolate eclair and apple fritter with a candle in each one.

With apologies to the Bills for interrupting the song, I busted out laughing. Thanks to Bayliss for the gift, it was perfect. I’m sorry he couldn’t hang around to play, but it was getting late and the crowd was beginning to thin. If you get a chance to hear Bayliss’ music, you’ll enjoy it.

The Dallas Songwriters Association 4th Saturday Showcase at Angela’s at the Crosswalk began with Bill Sibley and Bill Hudson. Their set started off well except for some red-headed guy laughing his ass off. Bill Sibley’s down to earth songs relate hard knocks, lost loves, and motorcycle rides. His voice sounds like the result of those experiences. If I were to make a voice comparison, I would say Kris Kristofferson. A voice that relays hardships and experience. Thanks to Harry Hewlett, you can see his set here.

Loralee Pearman’s songs and voice, in contrast to Bill Sibley, evoked a youthful spirit and the hope in what lies ahead. Her lyrics show a maturity beyond her youthful looks. Loralee is a ball of energy and cute as a button. See her set here.

It was during my set that things began to get weird. You probably saw that coming – I didn’t. But it’s good in a way, because it gives me a chance to talk about my set since I can’t review myself. Well I could, but that would be pompous and silly.

A few songs into my set, my back up band arrived outside. Two fire trucks and an EMT truck pulled up on the street outside with lights and sirens going full tilt. The sirens were turned off before very long. But the lights kept flashing for quite some time. Which made quite a backdrop for my songs. You can see some of the songs from my set here and another one here.

Harry Hewlett closed the show with a few songs after I finished. As they say – a good time was had by all.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – When an Open Mic Feels Like a Second Home Pt. 2

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Family, Music, open mic, Songwriting — Leave a comment
July 19, 2016
Me playing at Poor David's Pub open mic

Me playing at Poor David’s Pub open mic

To recap (or see part 1), the first two qualities of an open mic that feels like a second home are – variety of performers (age, talent, and experience), and performers who lack egos and are willing to support those less experienced than themselves. It should be mentioned, however, that there will always be that visiting performer who thinks he’s all that and a bag of chips and wonders why everyone’s not telling him how good he played.

While I’m using the Poor David’s Pub open mic as an example, there are a number of open mics that have these qualities in varying degrees. The Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) open mics and song swaps are welcoming and supportive. I’m hoping other open mic hosts will chime in with comments on their open mic. I’ve also tried to show that open mics have a hard time getting started. It takes the performing community to support it. Some members of DSA and their friends play at open mics several nights a week.

In fact, the third quality of an open mic that feels like a second home is a sense of community – like a weekly reunion as I mentioned in part one. An atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie. The fourth quality is friendly hosts, bartenders, and staff. Mr. Troll (host), Samantha Sanders, and Kevin Hale at PDP are excellent examples. The fifth quality – last, but no way in hell least – is a good sound man. Carlos Sanchez, in particular, is past good.

So there are the basic qualities of an open mic that feels like a second home. Yet for the first quality, variety of performers, something is missing. And that is you. Go to an open mic near you, or near where you are going to be. Sing your songs, sing covers, read your poems, do comedy, spoken word, whatever. Or just go and listen – performers need listeners, too.

Then spread the word. Open mics are places where young talent hones their performing and writing skills. They learn, not only from playing, but from watching more seasoned performers. Open mics are where songwriters go to try out new songs. When word gets out, people come to perform and bring their friends. People come to listen because of the combination of qualities I discussed. So play an open mic tonight or go and listen. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Peace be with you.

 

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Open Mic Tales – When an Open Mic is Like a Second Home – Part One

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, open mic, Songwriting — Leave a comment
July 15, 2016
Mr. Troll - Host of Poor David's Pub Open Mic

Mr. Troll – Host of Poor David’s Pub Open Mic

Okay, I don’t mean you can spend the night. Or even raid the refrigerator. More like a weekly family reunion with people you are comfortable being with. Granted, there are always weird cousins or funky aunts and uncles – but it wouldn’t be the same without them.

There are a number of open mics that fit the criteria I’m going to relate. Among them are the Dallas Songwriters Association open mics – and, indeed, the organization as a whole. Those who lead an open mic that fits the category, please weigh in with a comment. Welcome to the world of open mics….

I’m using the Poor David’s Pub open mic hosted by Mr. Troll on Mondays as my example. As can be found in the Dallas Area Open Mics group on Facebook (Troll is administrator of the group), there are a number of open mics on every day of the week. As Troll says, call ahead to check the details before going to an open mic.

Bar, club, or restaurant owners, as a general rule, are notoriously impatient about getting results. Some have been known to cancel an open mic after only a couple of weeks. And sometimes, they’ve cancelled them at any time for any reason. Again, check before going to an open mic. Even poor David has had schedule conflicts and needed to postpone the open mic. But he usually tells Troll so people know in advance.

But the first criteria for a successful open mic is a good variety of talent. Some who have only been writing songs for a short time. Some who wish they were songwriters and just like to play and sing – they usually play covers. A variety of ages, as well. It’s a musically nurturing community with everyone being supportive of all performers and giving advice to those who are younger and just getting started.

Actually, that was two criteria – variety of talent, and performers without egos who support fellow singer-songwriters – rather than view them as competitors. Which means if you’re going to an open mic for the first time, be respectful and supportive of the other performers. If you’re experienced, use that experience to pass along advice and tell others how well they did. (Give them credit for potential.)

Stay tuned for part two. I don’t want to take too much of your time at once. I appreciate you being here.

Peace be with you.

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Summer NAMM – Nashville/Memphis Road Trip Final Act – Music Awards, Beale Street

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Family, Music, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
July 11, 2016

Dan at session with headphones With only one session on Saturday morning, Cameron dropped me off at Music City Center and went to pick up a few things for the drive later that afternoon. I covered the booths at Summer NAMM I hadn’t been able to visit earlier. At 11 a.m., I went to one of the two booths where they held sessions throughout the event. The session was at the Idea Center Booth and was entitled DIY – Marketing for Musicians.

The two session booths had wireless headphones on each chair and the presenters had earphones and wireless mics. If you wanted to ask a question you had to flag down the person with the microphone. There were sound barrier sheets on each side of the “booth” to keep out the sounds of the exhibit hall as much as possible. There were times when the headphones or the mics would cut out, but that’s to be expected with speakers holding the wireless mics wrong, and a building full of electronic and wireless equipment and computers.

Half way through the session, I realized I probably wouldn’t learn anything new. The speaker was keeping to basic information. I’ve been to enough sessions on the subject that I should have a t-shirt. I became bored so I took the picture of myself with the headphones. But the information was new to some of the attendees, because they were taking notes like crazy. Which makes it worth it for them. And the information was not wrong, it was just the basics.

I took off my headphones and met Cameron. We went out on the terrace, got something to eat, and watched the band that was playing. Then we walked down and got in line for the American Eagle Awards of the National Music Council. This year Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, and the Grand Ole Opry were honored. I was looking forward to seeing them. We were finally let into the hall (after the VIPs had a chance to eat and meet and great).

When I read the program, I saw that Roy Clark and John Conlee were going to perform. Nice bonus! I don’t remember what Emmylou Harris sang, but Vince Gill sang a song about Merle Haggard’s passing that was great. Roy Clark sang “What a Wonderful World,” while a friend played the keyboard. John Conlee, of course, pulled out the rose-colored glasses and sang “Rose-Colored Glasses – as only he can do. (Check out my pictures on Instagram).

Then it was over, and we were on the way to Memphis. We checked in at the hotel, and headed for Beale Street. In the place we went for barbeque, there was a band playing. Within three songs of us sitting down, the band did Rose-Colored Glasses – just saying. Back to the hotel with a to go box. In the morning we packed, checked out, and headed for Dallas.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – Ukulele Open Mic on Father’s Day

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Food, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
July 1, 2016

Dan - Ukulele Open MicI played a ukulele open mic on Father’s Day at Los Jalapenos restaurant with the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters (DUH) Meetup community. It was my first time with the group. I didn’t know what it would be like to play with a room full of ukulele players. They are an accepting bunch. I made some new musical friends.

I had replied as soon as I received the invitation for the open mic, saying that I would like to play. I got to the restaurant at what I thought was an early time. Most of the group that was coming was already there. I ordered food and was fixing my tea when Mark Levine, organizer of DUH, announced that the open mic would start shortly with the Happy Hour Ukes group. After the group we would start with the open mic list.

Dan on ukulele and drummer
Which was when I first realized that the list was on a white board next to the stage. I got closer to see the list and found that I was first after the group. I got my ukulele out of the case and made sure it was tuned. The Happy Hour Ukes were pretty good. One of the guys was playing a ukulele bass. If you haven’t heard one before, it sounds like an upright bass. The drummer had a nice setup with a cajon and other percussion instruments. I’m blurry in the picture, but you can see his setup.

Being a complete newcomer, I was apprehensive about being the first one to play in the open mic. Open mics are nothing new, but most of the crowd could play ukulele better than me. However, I was pretty sure few of them had written songs. I was hoping that would help me be accepted by the ukulele crowd.

We were each to play two songs. I played the Aardvark Song – a song I wrote with my daughter when she was twelve. Then I played Love is The Thing – a song I wrote for the ukulele. Both songs seemed to go over well. But they really liked the Aardvark Song.

I returned to my table to applause, which is always nice. As I ate my food and listened to the other performers, I gradually became one of the group. Shared looks when laughing at jokes. People telling me they liked my song.

If you have a ukulele or ever thought about getting one, there are a lot of choices. But get it out of the closet or pick one up. Then join the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters Meetup Group. Download the songbooks from the files and go to town. If you’re a songwriter, it will give you another avenue to explore in writing songs. A new instrument also gets the writing juices flowing.

Then join us/them for events having ukulele jams. The places where they have their meetups always have good food. And these folks have a good time.

Peace be with you.

 

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Sack Summer Hunger Concert – Report and Thanks

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June 8, 2016

Cat, Dan, and John 4Thanks to everyone who came out to see the Sack Summer Hunger Concert on Sunday at Christ United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch. We raised $98 for Sack Summer Hunger. It was a small, but enthusiastic, crowd, and they very much enjoyed the show. I don’t care for the word “awesome” because it’s so over-used. But when someone uses it to refer to my music, my friends’ music, and the show, it feels pretty good.

We played the show “in the round,” playing three rounds of two songs each, telling stories behind the songs. John Mason began the round, Cat McGee followed and I ended each round. We ended the show with the three of us playing Will the Circle Be Unbroken. I would like to thank John and Cat for coming out and playing in support of Sack Summer Hunger.

Thanks again to those who made it out. The list of those who wrote checks will be included in the report given to Metrocrest Social Services with the money raised.

Peace be with you.

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