Tag Archive: showcase


Open Mic Tales: Songwriters at Love and War

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December 12, 2017

Shelby Ballenger

Shaun Outen and Dan Roark hosted the Songwriters Showcase on November 28 at Love and War in Texas in Plano. I’m a little behind, but it was too good a show not to share.

Shelby Ballenger and Brad Wayne Purdom swapped songs to start the show. Ballenger played her songs Messing With a Cowboy, and Smell the Rain among others. She also played Hank William’s You’re Cheating Heart, and Kris Kristofferson’s Me and Bobby McGee.

Brad Wayne Purdom

Purdom’s “set” included his songs, Gypsy Soul and Bright Light of Day. Brad Wayne also played his song about John Fulbright. He assisted Shelby on lead and harmonica.

Mr. Troll and I took the stage next and swapped songs. Troll played what open mic regulars would refer to as his “greatest hits.” Which obviously included Cry, which is one of my favorites. And of course, Going Nowhere. I played songs from my

Dan Roark

upcoming cd, Hello Out There. Shaun Outen closed out the show with a set of his own tunes mixed with covers.

Check out the links and hear the music for yourself. You won’t regret it. Go see them live when and if you get the chance. You won’t regret that either.

Mr. Troll Mallow

Come out and listen or play on Tuesday’s at Love and War. The heaters and enclosures make it comfortable. Come join us!

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

Shaun Outen

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Open Mic Tales: Guitars and Growlers

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December 4, 2017

Bill Hook, Host

Bill Hook, host, opened the Songwriters Night at Guitars and Growlers on Wednesday, November 22. He played his songs, Let’s Dance, Give Me a Chance, and Heartache Blues.

Dan Roark took the stage next and played four songs from his upcoming cd, Hello Out There. Rob Case followed Dan with his signature song, Bayou City – about Houston. Case also played his version of Stormy Monday.

Dan Roark

Bill Nash played next and played four original songs, the last of which was a song with great wordplay, James Dean’s Genes. Alex Benavides played a set of covers with an original. He turned Country Roads into a sing-a-long that everyone enjoyed.

Khalil Coffield

Khalil Coffield just happened to stop in with a couple of friends. He signed up for an impromptu performance. Coffield is a good young songwriter with interesting songs.

Emma and her father were with the fairly large party in front of the stage. Emma put only her first name on the signup sheet. I had to leave without getting her last name. She sang a song or two with the words on her phone and her father playing guitar.

Follow the links and listen to these songwriters yourself. You’ll enjoy the experience. The next time you get a chance, go listen to them perform their songs live. More pictures will be posted on my Facebook music page.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

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Open Mic Tales: Songwriters Showcase at Love and War Plano

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November 28, 2017

Kerry Watts

Kerry Watts opened the show at the Tuesday Songwriters Showcase Shaun Outen and I host on Tuesdays at Love and War in Texas in Plano on November 21st. It’s sponsored by Texas Select Beverage Company and is often streamed live on TexasSelectRadio.com. There are heaters on the enclosed patio which make it comfortable.

Kerry mixed a couple of cover songs in with his original songs. It’s Too

Shaun Outen

Late and Love Means Forever were the first two. Love Means Forever stood out to me. But it’s a toss up between it and his last original, My Heart Doesn’t Know You Left Me.

Shaun Outen got up at the end of Watts’ set and played a few songs with Kerry’s guitar. Kenneth Waters took the stage after Outen. His set included his original songs, Crazy Mind and Turns Me On. Additionally, he did Walk Away, and Witch in Wichita – a cute song.

Kenneth Waters

I took the stage and played my set before Terry Strange followed me to close out the night. I particularly like his song, How About the Truth.

Come out and join us on Tuesdays. Always good music and they serve really good food at Love and War.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

Terry Strange

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Open Mic Tales West Coast: I Didn’t See That Coming Edition

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November 27, 2017

The night before I returned to Dallas, I returned to Sabor y Cultura in West Hollywood for an open mic with a different host than the week before. Kevin Kelly was the host that evening. Vocally, he sounded like a cross between Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen. Yet the lyrics were not as strong.

After Kelly, a rather large woman got up. Kevin asked if either one of us wanted to play next. Then he asked who was next on the list. The women that signed up as Froglegs (formerly Godmother) asked me if I wanted to go first. I said I was good with her going first.

I don’t know if she had words written down somewhere or if she was just winging it. She asked Kevin to accompany her on guitar.

“In what key?”

“A, b, c, d. It doesn’t matter. Just close your eyes and feel the vibe.”

Kelly looked confused, but, like a good host,  he did the best he could do to help. What followed was a mixture of spoken word, opera, country – yodeling included – a little distorted hip-hop, and a healthy (sic) dose of way the hell out there. Kevin valiantly struggled to play something that made sense in the background.

Four minutes later, she brought it to a conclusion. Jimena and I were sitting there dumbfounded. I was hoping my mouth wasn’t hanging open. Froglegs looked straight at us.

“Are you ready for another one?”

I didn’t know how to respond. My thought was “you don’t really want an answer, do you?” But it didn’t matter. She suddenly turned to Kevin and asked if he knew a certain song.

“No,” he replied.

“Okay, let’s go,” Froglegs said, “Just close your eyes and feel the vibe.” And she launched into another song. Kevin played along as best as he could.

After that “song,” she went back to her seat. I went up and played six songs – all but one from my upcoming cd, Hello Out There,  that I was in L.A. to record. The crowd liked my songs. Several people said they wanted my business card so they could look me up on line and buy my music. After I finished my set and put my guitar up, I walked over to pass out cards. I gave one to Froglegs last. She stood up and looked at the card. Then she looked at me. Then back at the card.

“So,” she said, “does this mean I have your permission to go home, go online, listen to your music, and masturbate?

The others in the crowd laughed nervously. This time I know my mouth dropped open. Fortunately, Jimena said Conner was outside, so I said my good-byes and we left. I can honestly say I never saw that coming. Now I have a verse to a song.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – New Faces Tuesday at Love and War

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November 11, 2017

John Mason

New Faces Tuesday at Love and War in Texas on November 7, hosted by Shaun Outen, and sponsored – with a live broadcast – by Texas Select Radio, began about 7:30 with John Mason. His set included the title song of his upcoming cd, Branches and Leaves. Mason also played I Wanna Know – asking why we call coffee “joe.” He switched guitars and ended with Lone Star State.

Cat McGee took the stage next, opening with Summertime. Following with A Place of Their Own, and Coda. Coda and Summertime

Cat McGee

are the first and last song, respectively, of Cat’s recently released EP, ironically called, Don’t Rush Me. McGee ended with Four Guns and a Mercedes.

Dan Roark played his song for those on the autism spectrum, Hello Out There, to begin his set. Peace Be With You – written about the police shootings at the protest in downtown Dallas in the summer of 2016 – came next. Then he played Waffle House is a Mighty Fortress before finishing with I Got My Ass

Dan Roark

Kicked in Nashville.

Dave Ross, touring with Madison Rising, announced that his was an impromptu set because he hadn’t planned on performing. He borrowed Dan Roark’s guitar and started with Stormy Monday. He followed with two of Bob Dylan’s songs and one of his own about his daughter when she was about two years old.

Host Shaun Outen closed out the evening’s music. Beginning with Wear My Ring, by Bart Crow, his set also included his own single from a couple of years ago, All I Saw Was a Flash. He concluded with Holding Her and Loving You, and the Willie Nelson tune, Me and Paul.

New Faces Tuesday is always a good time for music at Love and War in Texas in Plano. Come on at and have something to eat on the heated patio while you listen to the performers. Or bring your guitar or instrument of choice and get your time on stage.

More pictures will be on my Facebook music page.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

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Open Mic Tales: Heads Up And Playing to a Noisy Crowd

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November 7, 2017

Dan at a previous showcase.

Before we get to Raphael’s, we’ll get to the heads up. I headed up to Denton for the open mic at LSA Burger Co. I had called earlier to make sure they had it before I drove all the way up there. I scored a parking place in front. But my positive vibes were short-lived.

It turns out the “open mic” is booked through Dec. 4. Not only am I damned if I can figure out how an open mic can be booked that far in advance, but LSA has nothing about the open mic on it’s website or Facebook page. So there’s the heads up – moving on.

Since I was up that way anyway, I left my prime parking spot to the guy stopping traffic because he really, really wanted it, and drove out to Raphael’s Mexican Restaurant in Aubrey to play at the open mic. Which is hosted by Shaun Outen and is live on Texas Select Radio. It’s actually more of a showcase than an open mic.

They were getting started when I arrived. Kaleb McIntire was beginning his set. Fiddle player, Billy Western was

Kaleb McIntire and Billy Western

playing with him. Western has played with a variety of country performers as back up or studio musician. McIntire played a good set of varied country covers. From Merle Haggard to Waylon Jennings and so on. Mixed in were a few of his original songs. Follow the link for his music. I couldn’t understand what he was saying for the noise at the bar. But the songs sounded good – it was easier to understand the words of the song. Catch Kaleb and/or his band when you have a chance.

I took the stage and got ready to begin my set. This wasn’t my first time to play to a loud audience. I’d rather not mention how long ago that was. Suffice it to say, it didn’t surprise me.

If you know me and my music, you know that I have quiet, softer songs and then loud, often comedic, songs. When I play to a noisy crowd, I take it as a personal challenge to get them to pay attention. The finger picks stay in the pocket and it’s all systems go.

It started off a little rough. The Aardvark Song and John Prine song, Paradise, barely phased them. Waffle House is a Mighty Fortress got their attention. I had them with I Got My Ass Kicked in Nashville.

So that’s my musical prescription for a loud crowd. Keep pounding and don’t give up. Just remember – you have the microphone.

Keep on writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

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West Coast Tour – Recording a CD

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November 5, 2017

In less than a week I’ll be in North Hollywood. I have eight shows in ten days, while recording during the day on six of those days. I have the good fortune to have noted LA bassist, Lou Castro, playing on my cd. Not to mention Ryan Brown, Dweezil Zappa’s drummer. Then there is Jimena Fosado, one of the hottest young guitarists in LA. With my son, Conner as engineer and producer. Conner also owns Refrigerator Records.

As if that wasn’t enough, I play at Rumi Cafe on Thursday and Friday. Then Tribal Cafe on Sunday and Ireland’s 32 on Monday. The Cork Lounge on Tuesday, then Guitar Merchant on Wednesday. Back at Rumi on Thursday and Friday. The Saturdays are in the works.

If you would like pre-order the cd, Hello Out There, you can do so on the store page of my website. Buying anything else in my store would also help with expenses.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – Movie Tavern and West Coast Tour

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November 3, 2017

Last night I went to Bedford for the Movie Tavern micro music festival. Dillon Moses was the host. They also have a micro music festival at the Movie Tavern in Denton on Thursday. With every performer playing four to six songs, and a relaxed atmosphere, it really was more like a micro music festival.

I seemed to be the only one who wasn’t from the “neighborhood.” There’s some good, young, local talent in the area judging from what I saw and heard.  We entertained the crowd having a few drinks before their showing of Thor came around.

I usually have a standing appointment on Thursday nights. It was called off for this week, so I headed to Bedford. With a recording session in LA coming up next week, I figure I can’t practice too much and there is no better way of doing it than playing an open mic, micro music festival, showcase, or the like. My plan is to play tonight at Mex-Go on Central in Allen. Then the LSA Burger Co. open mic in Denton on Monday, New Faces Tuesday at Love and War in Texas, Plano in the heated patio, and Songwriters Night at Guitars and Growlers in Richardson on Wednesday.

Then home to get ready for an early morning flight on Thursday that will begin ten days in LA. Which will include eight shows – a mixture of open mics and showcases – with an eye for setting up shows for a future trip. It will also include six days in the studio – an entire post in itself.

So come on out and join me at any of the places I’m playing through Wednesday. Come to listen or play. They’ve all got good food and drinks.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

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4th Annual Texas Music Jam

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September 27, 2017

Peggy Houlihan

On September 24, the last day of the Oktoberfest celebration in McKinney, the square was awash with activity. From bounce houses and climbing walls, to the various stages, food booths, and miscellaneous vendors. People and families moved among the booths and activities.

But away from all the noise – up the stairs above Spoons Cafe – from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., songwriters were sharing their songs for a receptive audience and a good cause. Kevin Edwards, of Guitar Gallery on the Square – where the songwriters were playing – organizes the event each year. He gives music lessons during the week. This year the event was benefitting Warriors Keep, a charitable organization that aids veterans in the transition back to civilian life after active duty. The purpose was to create awareness for the young charity as much as to collect funds. Kayak McKinney and

Ken Maxwell

Cedar Creek Brewery also sponsored the event.

Originally planned for noon until 7, so many people responded that the jam was to begin at 11 a.m. But things can happen. And they did. But that’s to be expected and the music played on.

Ray White began the day’s performances followed by Jud Block. Peggy Houlihan preceded Ken Maxwell, Russ Lowry, and Stephanie Sammons. Dan Roark led the next batch of songwriters, followed by Jess Skelton, and trio, Wooden Nickel. Ben Shook, Sean & Faye, Larry Martin, and Samantha Beall wrapped up the performances. Kevin Edwards closed out the show.

Dan Roark

It was nearly eight hours of continuous performers and music. With a good number of original songs and healthy doses of sing-a-long cover songs in an intimate setting above the square. Follow the links to learn more about the performers, hear their music, and see other pictures from the event. Also find some more pictures on my Facebook music page.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

 

 

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DSA 3rd Saturday Showcase

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September 20, 2017

Colleen Francis

The Dallas Songwriters Association 3rd Saturday showcase on September 16, was held in the lounge at Plano Super Bowl (PSB) due to a last minute change. Angela’s at the Crosswalk has been sold and the new owner cancelled all music indefinitely. Julie Holmer, one of the former owners, assisted DSA in finding a location because of the sudden announcement.

The showcase was from 9-11 p.m. – as opposed to 7:30 – 10 at Angela’s. League play at the bowling alley ends at 9 p.m. and open bowl begins. The sound system was set up so that the performers  were playing to the people in the lounge, but could be heard by customers walking into PSB and bowlers on that end of the building.

Colleen Francis opened the show at 9. With the casual bowling atmosphere, she played

Host Dan Roark

mostly originals, but threw in a few covers. The crowd in the lounge was fluid, mostly consisting of bowlers coming in from the bowling lanes and people waiting for a lane. While there was little applause at the end of songs, it was obvious people were listening and looking in to see who was playing. Colleen’s set included her songs, Wildflower, and crowd favorite, Better Than This.

Host Dan Roark followed Francis at 9:45. While people moved in and out of, and by, the bar, he played River That Flows and the Aardvark song among others. A small crowd of people were standing in the bar when Dan played Chocolate Eclairs and Apple Fritters and I Got My Ass Kicked in Nashville to finish his set. The security guard was seen tapping his foot and nodding his head.

Jeff Stachowski

Jeff Stachowski began to play about 10:20 for the final set of the evening. He began with his love trilogy: It’s Not Love, 99 Postcards, and Month of Mondays. He also played crowd favorites, 5 Miles of Smiles, and Little Green Men. Jeff also has a band called PROPELLER. Being a comedian in a former life, Stachowski mixes humor with his music.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

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