Tag Archive: Songwriters


Open Mic Tales – You’re Missing Out

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
October 10, 2016
Joe Cat

Joe Cat

And on we go… The September 19th and 26th editions of the Poor David’s Pub Open Mic demonstrated what you are missing. That is, if you enjoy hearing good music. And it’s just one open mic of over 165 each month. That includes the Dallas Songwriters Association events – just saying. In fact, I didn’t do my DSA spiel on the 19th because most of the several present were members.

The regulars alone are enough to bring you back to hear some more good music the next week. And as I usually make clear, this applies to a good number of open mics, if not most, or all, of them. Then there are the irregulars and the touring songwriters who happen to be traveling through the area. Not to mention the welcoming hosts, such as Mr. Troll at PDP.

In particular, the PDP open mic has a weekly featured artist. Joe Cat was the featured artist on Monday the 19th. Joe’s songs are songs of the land. Telling the stories of people and places he has seen on his travels around the country while touring. Songs such as Roads Never Traveled, Dark Texas Oil, and Heart Made of Clay. My particular favorite is Silver Thread City. On his cd, How Are You? Where Are You?, the song has piano without guitar. While it’s a very good version, I like the acoustic version with Joe on guitar better. You can decide for yourself. He posted the acoustic version on his Facebook page.

Allen Hurt was the featured artist the next week on the 26th. The title of his cd, Always

Allen Hurt

Allen Hurt

Country pretty much sums up his music. As do the songs Rambling Rita, She’s A Country Girl and Two Nights and A Heartache Later. With all the types of songs that are called country these days, it’s refreshing to hear “good ole” country music . Allen’s humor fills the time between songs on stage.

So if you’re wondering what to do tonight – on any night of the week, find an open mic and go play. Even better, if you’re a music lover, go listen. Speaking for the open mic community, we’d love to have you. Having someone to enjoy our music is at least half the fun. And you’ll always be welcome.

See you at an open mic.

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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Open Mic Tales – Jared and the Jewelers

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
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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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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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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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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Open Mic Tales – A Host’s Nightmare

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
June 1, 2016

DSC06834When you take on the “job” of hosting an open mic, you know it’s going to be an uphill climb. You create an event on Facebook, send out emails, post updates, and hope for the best. Each week you hope enough people show up to satisfy the owner or manager of the venue. You live with the fact that it can be canceled at any moment.

You also know that there will be a night when no one shows up. Hopefully, again, the owner/manager will overlook it for now. Then there is that nightmare open mic. I know, because it happened to me this past month. I am the Showcase Director for the Dallas Songwriters Association. I was at Sons of Hermann Hall for the third Tuesday open mic.

The month before was less than well attended. This past third Tuesday, there was a meeting of the Dallas Historical Society from 6 – 8 p.m. in the bar, and the open mic was to start in the bowling alley ballroom at 7:30. I sat in the ballroom, eating a sandwich, tuning my guitar, and having conversations with myself in my head. The nightmare had begun.

No one showed up. Every so often someone in the DHS meeting would wander into the bowling alley seeking a quiet place to talk on their phone. They would look at me and turn around and go back toward the bar area. I played a few songs for practice. After an hour and a half, I packed up. I talked to the manager of the hall and we agreed to meet and brainstorm new ideas.

I put my stuff in the car. As I was loading my guitar, a guy walked out of the hall and came toward me.

“Do you need any help loading anything? I was coming back to play with you.”

My heart sank. I sat alone for an hour and a half wishing someone would show up and when I hung it up and packed up, someone shows up. We could have gone back in, but the Hall was winding down and would not be open much longer. And I was packed.

“I’m sorry. I sat there for an hour and a half and nobody came.”

“No worries. Are there other open mics around?”

“There are two other open mics in Deep Ellum on Tuesday. I’m not exactly sure where but they should still be going on for a while.”

I handed him my card and apologized again. As I went around to the driver’s side, I watched him turn right out of the gate and head down the street.

We’ll work things out, make some changes, and try again – or something else. But that doesn’t clear the memory of my host’s nightmare open mic.

Peace be with you.

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Open Mic Tales – The Dreaded Opening Spot

Filed under: Communications, Current events, Dallas Songwriters Association, Music, open mic, Songwriting, writing — Leave a comment
February 24, 2016
Mr. Troll - Host of Poor David's Pub Open Mic

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

As I mentioned in the last – and other – post(s), at open mics, the opening spot is, as Mr. Troll likes to say, the dreaded opening spot. I’m not sure dreaded is the term. Maybe, avoided like the plague. But there are actually reasons for both why it is a dreaded spot, and why the host opens the show. But one thing at a time.

The most obvious reason for the first slot not being filled is that there are not that many people in the venue at starting time. And there is no time to read the crowd. On the other hand, there are times when someone needs to leave early so they want to play first. As well as those who want to go first while they still have the nerve.

Of course, a lot of people just “don’t want to go first.” I’m sure there’s a chapter in some psychology book on the subject. I sit in the category of “I’d rather not go first.” I don’t mind going first if necessary. But that brings into play the fact that if you do something and do it well, people will want you to do it all the time. Be that as it may, I’m thinking most of us have had an experience growing up when going first simply did not go well.

But the reason the host of an open mic or showcase will open the show is not just because it is the dreaded spot. But it does have a connection to not wanting to go first. If people have not arrived yet, and there’s only a handful of people in the venue, the host can delay the start of the open mic. If there hasn’t been a major influx of people, it would not change the number of songs the performers play.

However, with a showcase, the host’s set would be cut short so that his or her set is the only one affected by the delay of the starting time. As showcase director for the Dallas Songwriters Association, when I plan the showcases that I host, I expect my set to be cut short. There are numerous reasons why a show may be delayed. And there only needs to be one.

So those are my thoughts on the “dreaded opening spot.” I’d be interested to hear your thoughts if you would leave them in the comments.

Peace be with you.

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