Tag Archive: showcase


DSA 4th Saturday Showcase Now 3rd Saturday Showcase

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Food, Music, showcases, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
January 26, 2017
Bobby Montgomery and Barbe McMillen

Bobby Montgomery and Barbe McMillen

The DSA 4th Saturday Showcase at Angela’s on the Crosswalk will now be the DSA 3rd Saturday Showcase. At the showcase on January 21st, Barbe McMillen opened the show at 7:30. Steve Sullivan joined her on harmonica for a few songs. Barbe’s set included her song, America the Free.

Bobby Montgomery joined Barbe to perform a song the two of them recently wrote, Love Without Money. Then Bobby took the stage and played his country songs. Bobby songs are warm, old style country songs about hearth and home and coming of age. Like his song about dancing with his mother when he was a boy.

Darren Rozell

Darren Rozell

Darren Rozell followed Bobby and took the mood to up tempo country. His songs range from honky-tonk  to a waltz  to a bluesy tune. Songs such as I’m All Whiskeyed  Up, Now, Don’t Water Down My Crown, and It’s Complicated.

Dan Roark (but you knew that)

Dan Roark (but you knew that)

I played after Darren. I began with Hello Out There, my song for those on the autism spectrum. I played a couple more songs and noticed that I could hear the conversations over the music. This is not uncommon when you play in restaurants or bars. And generally, it doesn’t mean they don’t hear you. Which is when I play  Chocolate Eclairs and Supermarket Wreck of 75, to get the crowd going and involved. Which they did.

The final act for the evening was Richie Smith. Richie sang his songs to tracks on his iPod that he played through a Bose speaker. Richie had an operation four years ago for stage 4 brain cancer that left him paralyzed on his left side. On other occasions, he plays piano with one hand and sings. A couple of weeks ago they discovered that Richie is in remission – which is supposed to be impossible. Obviously not for God though.

Richie Smith

Richie Smith

Richie’s set included his song, For A Reason, which is also the name of his charity foundation. He also played Lemonade, a song written for his mother. Tunnel Vision is another good song – and one of his oldest. A song Richie wrote for his paternal grandmother included a recorded phone message she left on his answering machine. Following his set, it was time for the obligatory group picture. Richie’s mom takes the picture. My son, Cameron, took the picture with her in it. [More pictures will be on Facebook.]

The picture is a tradition when Richie plays, and we might just make it one for the showcase. All in all a good night of music, with plenty of talent and variety. You should try to make the next showcase on February 18. I’ll be posting the lineup soon, but it’s sure to be a good one. I’m working on a few surprises.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

DSA 4th Saturday Showcase on 3rd Saturday

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, Songwriting, Sound, writing — Leave a comment
December 28, 2016
Cat McGee

Cat McGee

Are you confused yet? Or did you figure out that we had the Dallas Songwriters Association 4th Saturday showcase at Angela’s at the Crosswalk a week early this month – and last month as well – due to Thanksgiving and Christmas. This was my first showcase as the new host. As showcase director for the DSA, I have been a guest host before. But with both Buck Morgan and Harry Hewlett having life changes coming about, I became the host.

I had the sound system set up by 7:15. Despite a problem I did not discover until I was breaking down the system, everyone sounded good to the audience, except me on part of my set.

The show began with Cat McGee – after a few technical adjustments. She delivered her show in her usual humble sincerity. Cat doesn’t take herself all that seriously, but her songwriting is a different matter. That alone lends a certain urgency to her lyrics juxtaposed with the casualness of her delivery. I have known Cat a while and consider her a good friend. I have read the press on her website before, but it evades me now. But simply thinking about it while replaying her set in my mind, her songwriting and performance remind me of Judy Collins and Joan Baez. The decidedly female perspective, with self-assurance and purpose. One of my favorite songs of hers – and there are a few – is Mydan-roark-3Tribe. Her tribe, of course, is songwriters.

Then the host, some guy named Dan Roark, came on and played his set. Which included several songs from his new cd of live songs. As well as the bonus song on the cd, What the Lord Intends. Which is also the song in his first music video which you can find on his YouTube channel.

Mark Evans, who followed me (the moment has past, if you catch my drift), has a band called Safety Meeting. Alone, on acoustic guitar – as he was at the showcase – Mark comes through as folk with a bit of an edge – albeit with a positive outlook. And a love song is simply a love song. The band’s description of Safety Meeting’s music is “alternative, americana, and pop.” Having heard them live and recorded, I can say that sums them up fairly well. I’m not exactly sure how alternative they are, as far as lyrics and music are concerned. But pertaining to their live show, I can hear alternative to a point. Listening to

Mark Evans

Mark Evans

their recorded songs on Reverbnation before writing this, I caught a John Cougar Mellencamp feel to their songs. Hence the americana and pop distinctions. Catch one of their shows when you can. Their music deserves a good crowd.

Baylis Laramore ended the evening’s line up. Baylis‘ music is folk and americana. He’s a laid-back type of guy, and his music reflects that. He was born in Galveston and grew up around east Texas as a child. He “spent [his] teenage years living in Australia and Indonesia.” He has traveled to other places as well. Some of Baylis’ songs come from those years, such as Blonde Spanish Girls, written while he was in Spain. Other songs, like Ghosts of Galveston, are from stories he has heard and read. He also has written some humorous songs as witnessed by the song Junk Food Highway, written from a song prompt at the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance.

It was a good show. I’m sorry you missed it. Do yourself a favor and make it to the next DSA 4th

Baylis Laramore

Baylis Laramore

Saturday showcase at Angela’s at the Crosswalk on January 28. I’ll have the list of songwriters who will by playing in the next couple of weeks. But you can be sure it will be a good show.

Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

Peace be with you.

 

 

 

 

Mark Evans followed me

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Inaugural DSA Third Tuesday Showcase/Open Mic at Sons of Hermann Hall

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
January 24, 2016

Dan Roark 2If you weren’t at the inaugural DSA Third Tuesday Showcase/Open Mic, you really missed out – seriously. You missed out a great show. You missed out on playing the open mic. And you missed out on hearing music in Sons of Hermann Hall, a historic building with a history preceding Elm St./Deep Ellum and even country music (obviously not Elm St. the street, but the Elm St. of the blues). The acoustics in the Old Bowling Alley Ballroom need to be experienced. And, yes, it used to be a bowling alley.

Host Dan Roark played an abbreviated set due to circumstances. He included the Hitchhiking Song which is about an actual occurrence. Dan ended with River That Flows, one of his signature songs that he co-wrote with Tim Duggins.

Cat McGee

Cat McGee

Cat McGee (don’t you love that name) played next and presented an excellent set of songs and stories. The soft-spoken nature of her speaking voice belies the power in her singing voice. She talked of the fellow worker who was pregnant and shared her experiences with Cat. Nine months later, she had a baby, and Cat had a song. You can hear her music and find out more on her website and her Facebook page.

Terry Bloss mentioned how lucky he was to be there. Sunday night he had no voice at all. But thanks to the tag team of God and his doctor, he was ready to sing. He did not play a full set, electing to ere on the side of caution. Terry did, however, perform some of his best songs. Which included a new song

Terry Bloss

Terry Bloss

entitled I’m Being Terrorized.

John Mason was the only singer/songwriter who signed up for the open mic. Which is a shame because there was a small, but enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed the songs and the music. John has a hypnotic voice and writes very good songs. He commented that he was there for the acoustics.

Those who didn’t come out missed the chance to play for that enthusiastic crowd and with the good acoustics. But never fear, you will have another chance on Tuesday, February 16th at the next Third Tuesday Showcase/Open Mic. The showcase performers will be announced later, but put it on your calendar so you can plan to join us for the showcase and play in the open mic.

John Mason

John Mason

 

Peace be with you.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Jesus Moments

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Family, Theology, writing — Leave a comment
August 6, 2013

JD Pitching 1 I was in Fort Worth this past weekend with J.D. at TCU for a baseball camp. We were driving from one field to another and were driving down W. Berry from TCU. Coming down the hill, I spotted a man and a woman waving from a concrete platform that turned out to be the entrance to a church. They were not waving “come here” like parking attendants, but they were using a modified princess wave. Unfortunately, their signage was not sufficient for me to see the name quickly as I drove by. And time did not permit stopping to take a picture.

As I told J.D. later, if we hadn’t been on a schedule, I would have stopped and attended their service. But while I couldn’t stop, it was a bright spot in the morning. It was over 100 degrees for most of the weekend and J.D. had already played two games (albeit short games). In the picture, J.D. is the pitcher. It was a showcase camp before coaches and recruiters from numerous colleges and some major league teams. It was a high intensity weekend, which made the smiles and the waves all the more important.

When I saw them and realized it was a church, I said to J.D., “so simple, but effective. How cool is that?” I happen to be on the communications committee of our church. It was certainly a Jesus moment in which life is briefly in the background and God’s light shines like a beacon in the wilderness. One of those moments that reminds us that life may be tough at times, but something better awaits us.

Peace be with you.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment