Now that I have a chance, here is another video from the 40th anniversary Poor David’s Pub open mic. It’s the host, Mr. Troll, playing his song Cold Grey Sky. If I am wrong about the title of the song, it will mysteriously be corrected in a few days and the words you are reading will mysteriously disappear.
Peace be with you.
Poor David’s Pub has only one Monday night open mic – hosted by Mr. Troll – in March, due to a flurry of 40th anniversary shows. The one open mic was held on March 13. Mr. Troll opened the show with two songs, followed by Life in Hollywood, and Ireland Casteel. It was a long list of performers. There are more info and videos to come, but after Ireland played, David Card came up to thank everyone. He did such a good job, I thought everyone who has ever been to or played in Poor David’s Pub would like to see it.
Peace be with you.
Madalyn White
There are nights at open mics that are full of surprises and guest performances. People who are traveling through town for whatever reason and find an open mic to play. Such was the case on Monday, February 20, at the Poor David’s Pub open mic, hosted by Mr. Troll. After Troll opened the show, Madalyn White, one of two young performers playing that night.
Madalyn White, began by saying that she would do a song by her favorite band. Much to the surprise of the
Michael Freidman
audience – that band is the Grateful Dead. But at the same time, it was a comforting thought. Even more confounding was that the song she played was from one of the lesser knows albums. Madalyn is a young woman with a nice voice and a laid-back “Grateful Dead” attitude. Just saying.
Rob Case was next, followed by Michael Freidman. All he put on the signup sheet was Michael, so I have no idea if I spelled his last name right. Michael is from Baltimore. He had come to Dallas for a good deal on a couple of speakers for his studio. The Dobro he was playing might have been new as well. The loudness of the instrument seemed to surprise him. Next on the list were Roy Howell, Dan Roark, Alex Kovach, Ron Sexton, and M’Lynn Musgrove (a good young singer-songwriter).
Titus Waldenfels
Then came Titus Waldenfels. Titus is from Germany and was traveling through – which explains the “around the world” part. He is a very entertaining and interesting fellow. He played his first song on guitar. His second song he played on violin/fiddle. He preceded the song by saying that he had grown fond of country music in Texas. See the video on my Facebook music page.
John Mason followed Waldenfels. I had to leave during John’s set. But following Mason were Baylis Laramore, Joe Watson, Darren Rozell, Blake Edwards, Fiyad, Lori Mosely, and Mark Brandt. A good complete show. See other pictures – up to John Mason – on my music page.
Go out to an open mic tonight. You never know who you will see. But it’s bound to be highly entertaining.
Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.
Peace be with you.
Mr. Troll
The Poor David’s Pub open mic on January 16 was one of those nights when the open mic is a mutual admiration society. Fortunately, for venue owners and hosts, they do not happen all that often. But on occasion, only a few songwriters show up. Granted, it was Martin Luther King, Jr. day. But a few of us figured that playing the open mic was a good way to celebrate the day. We played a few songs that MLK Jr. would have appreciated.
But the point is we sang our asses off. It was the best show you never saw. Even Troll muscled through his set admirably well – despite coming off of a case of strep throat. Cat McGee came across stronger and more confident than I’ve seen her – and I’ve seen her a good number of times. Her voice was in powerful form. Songs such as Sleeper Awake and Suspect. But the one MLK Jr. would have appreciated is City of Steeples.
Darren Rozell followed with his original country songs, with a little blues thrown in. I took the stage after
Cat McGee
Darren and played a good solid set myself, which included Peace Be With You, my song that includes MLK, Jr. Kathleen Farris, a newcomer who hadn’t expected to play, played a few of her songs. Then Joe Cat showed up after his gig at Opening Bell. I wasn’t able to stay for his full set, so it’s a good thing he played my favorite song of his first – Silver Thread City.
It was a solid night of good music. And you missed it. As I have said previously, I am writing about the Poor David’s Pub open mic specifically, but also about open mics in general. This one wasn’t the only one you missed. To paraphrase Droo D’Anna, one of many open mic hosts, about the Wednesday night open mic at Tutta’s Pizza:
“If you’re not coming out to our [insert day] open mic at [insert venue], you need to seriously reconsider your life…all the fun is being had here.”
Keep supporting live music.
Keep writing songs that are in your heart.
Peace be with you.
I mentioned a few posts back that I had people talk to me while setting up my sound system. They were friendly and well-meaning, but they kept asking questions. Which disturbed my routine and I missed a couple of steps. It’s harder to find the problem later when you think you’ve done everything as usual.
When the show has begun, it’s harder to adjust on the fly. You use every trick in your book and sweat a lot. If you’re lucky – and you know what you’re doing – you can get good sound for the audience at least. Which is the important thing. In a smaller venue, like Angela’s at the Crosswalk, the performer can still hear herself, she just doesn’t know how it’s coming across to the audience. But in a larger venue, it could potentially be a disaster.
But the point I’m trying to make is that when the sound man is setting up the system – particularly if he is setting up the system from scratch – avoid talking to him or her, if possible. Say hi and ask a question of course. But try not to engage them in extended conversation. They may be running late for one reason or another. They are volunteering after all, as a general rule. Either way they will have time to talk after the sound system is ready and before the show begins. Particularly, if the sound man is also the host. It’s a little different in places with a built-in sound system, like Poor David’s Pub, with a professional sound man. But still, let the sound man do his job. He wants to hear from you, but he also has a job to do. You will sound better when you play as a result. And thank him when you leave.
Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.
Peace be with you.
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
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.
Anyway, 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.
Tommy LeBoeuf
One of the enjoyable things about hosting open mics is getting to hear young upcoming and talented songwriters. Which is what happened the last time I was the host at Angela’s.
Tommy LeBoeuf is a regular at the Angela’s at the Crosswalk Monday open mic. He has also played shows during the week occasionally. On December 26, he brought the family, which included his daughters, Sabrina, and Elisa. In addition, Sabrina brought her boyfriend, Addis Riddle.
Sabrina played after her dad. Elisa joined her for the first song and their two voices blended well. None of the three songs were familiar to me. I had to ask her later if any of the songs were hers. The last song she did was an original. It was a very nice song, but I never caught the name of it. She said it was the only song she’s written. I told her to keep writing and told her about the Dallas Songwriters
Sabrina LeBoeuf
Association.
A little while later, her other friend, Addis Riddle, played his three songs. One of the songs he played was based on the Curious George song. I think one or two of the songs were original. Either way, he has written a number of songs.
Sabrina had a slightly stronger delivery than Addis. Though they both are relatively soft-spoken, their singing voices come across more powerfully. I’m looking forward to hearing them again and I’m thinking of including the two of them in a future DSA showcase.
Addis Riddle
You can catch Sabrina and Addis at the open mic at Angela’s. Sabrina sometimes plays shows at Angela’s with her dad. But if you get the chance to hear and support them, do so. You won’t be disappointed.
Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.
Peace be with you.
Samantha as we sang to her.
On Monday, December 12th, the Poor David’s Pub open mic, hosted by Mr. Troll, was a celebration of Samantha Sanders’, birthday. Samantha Sanders is the bar manager at PDP, a hairdresser, a mother of three talented baseball playing boys, and an all around beautiful person.
Keith Crow started the show. He had to leave early, so Troll let him start. Troll followed Keith with Billy Keith Bucher joining him on cajon. When Troll and Billy Keith finished, I took the stage – with a box rather than a guitar.
I asked Carlos to come up to the stage. While he was coming to the stage, I announced that Carlos was the 2016 Best Sound Man of the Year Award. When he reached the stage, I announced that, as showcase director for the Dallas Songwriters Association, I was presenting Carlos with the 2017 Best Sound Man of the Year award.
I was not trying to take away from Samantha’s celebration by giving Carlos the trophy. I was guest hosting when it was Carlos’ birthday celebration and I wanted Troll to be there when I gave Carlos the award. And, as in Carlos’ case, it wasn’t the actual birthday.
After the presentation and the two of us leaving the stage, David Card and Mr. Troll took our place. David expounded for a bit about Samantha’s talents as a bar manager and her charms as a person. Which we all echoed with shouts of agreement and applause. Then David and Troll led us all in singing Happy Birthday.
Poor David Card and Mr. Troll
Then it was back to the open mic with the featured artist, Eric Sommer. Sommer is originally from Boston and now pretty much from the road. He has an old style blues guitar setup – from the amps to the acoustic guitars to the telecasters to the Shure iconic unidyne vocal mic. Eric reminds one of the blues players who came before him. Mixed, however, with a punk, salty, edge.
Sometimes being late to post works out right. Today is Samantha’s actual birthday. Go to her Facebook page and say Happy Birthday!
And the music plays on….
Peace be with you.
The Enablers
Here I am, playing catch up again. I was guest host of the Poor David’s Pub open mic on Monday, November 28th. Which happened to be sound man, Carlos Sanchez’, birthday celebration. His actual birthday was on Tuesday.
I welcomed everyone and started the show with my three songs. The honorable David Card then came on stage to say Happy Birthday to Carlos in his inimitable fashion. Darren Rozell followed me. Then Mike Newkirk played, followed by 17 year old Cortlynn Blankenbaker . Then the stage was set for the featured artist.
Brad Blackwood, Scott Thornton, and Tin Man Travis
After going through setup, Carlos and the Enablers took the stage. They are looking at other names, because they found out Enablers was being used. The band plays tunes from artists like Eric Clapton, The Band, and many others. And they play them well. It was like a mini Grateful Dead concert. The band rocked the house for about forty-five minutes. If I can get the names of the other members of the band, I will update the info. It’s hard to keep track of all the names that are not on the list when you’re the host.
When the band left the stage, Carlos stayed and invited Samantha Sanders, bar manager, to come down from
Samantha Sanders and Carlos Sanchez
behind the bar. Samantha explained that her dad used to sing This Old House by Neil Young when she was young. She liked to sing it for him. Then she and Carlos played and sang the song. She sings better than she gives herself credit for.
Tin Man Travis played, then Mark Brandt, who reminds me of Leo Kottke, followed by Scott Thornton, and Robin Willis. Tin Man played with Scott and Robin. Brad Blackwood, a well known harmonica player, accompanied Scott and Tin Man.
Interspersed between these acts, and ending the show, were a number of rappers and hip-hop artists (I’m not sure which each considers as their type of music). The performers included SSG, DJ Whylie, Eyece, Blacc Majicc, and Rich Monii.
Which brought the interesting evening, and Carlos’ birthday party to a close. It was past midnight, so I wished him Happy Birthday for real before I left. Two weeks later, the party continued with Samantha’s birthday celebration. And I said award, right?….
Peace be with you.
Richie Smith and I
I was hosting the Angela’s at the Crosswalk Monday night open mic on Halloween when I first met Richie Smith. He came in with his mom and dad, waving to people as they came by the tables – just saying hi. His dad, Rick, came over and told me who he was so I knew when his slot came up. I asked him what he needed, sound-wise. He said Richie just needed a mic because he was going to play the song on a small Bose iPod/iPhone player.
When his time came, Rick helped Richie up to the microphone. Richie’s left leg was in a brace and his left arm was in a sling. I got him set up with the mic and his dad helped him start the songs. I adjusted the sound and Richie introduced himself.
“I’m Richie Smith. I had surgery for brain cancer to remove a tumor and what was left was diagnosed as grade 4 brain cancer. After surgery, I came out I was like this. This isn’t part of my costume.”
The crowd erupted in laughter. That is a perfect introduction to Richie. He is a twenty-two year old young man who has always loved music. He could play piano as well as other instruments. Music came to him naturally. He performed in cafes for charity.
Then he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011. No one outside of his family knew he had brain cancer. When it worsened in 2012, he had two
Richie and his father, Rick.
days to live without immediate brain surgery. After the surgery on November 24, 2012, what could not be removed was diagnosed as grade 4 brain cancer, and he was given two years to live. “The fight raged on, and in 2013 there were two brain tumors growing in size, leading Richie to lose most mobility on the left side of his body, but he never gave up.”1
Richie thanks God for his music even after all that has happened. His positive attitude and faith in God is infectious. There were a number of his close friends there, but, as far as Richie is concerned, everyone there was his friend. He had everyone laughing and dancing along to one of his songs. Even me – and I don’t dance – used to long ago, but not anymore. Except for Halloween night.
Two weeks later, when I once again hosted the open mic, Richie was on the list. His left arm hung by his side rather than held up in a sling. He played piano with his right hand while he sat behind it and sang. His father, Rick, played the cajon. Once again, his laughter and infectious spirit filled the room. He played a hilarious cover of Skinny Girl Jeans with some additions of his own. Richie had the crowd singing along on Lean on Me by Bill Withers.
Veronica, Richie, and Rick Smith
And, naturally, he played his song, For A Reason. Not only is it the name of his song, but it is also the name of his For A Reason Foundation. For A Reason is also Richie first official song release, produced by multi-platinum producer, John Kurzweg. The song was released this past Thursday, the fourth anniversary of his first brain surgery. It was also – as Richie pointed out at Angela’s – Thanksgiving, his mother, Veronica’s, birthday, and his re-birth. His re-birth is how he refers to the immediate emergency surgery.
For A Reason is available on iTunes, Amazon, and the usual online music distribution sites. You can also check out Richie’s Facebook page and his YouTube channel. You can see Richie on Mondays at Angela’s or at the fourth Saturday Dallas Songwriters Association (DSA) showcase on December 17.
Peace be with you.
Chasing After Wind 