Folkie Haven

CFMS Correction

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Fri, 28 May 2010 10:44:00 +0000

CFMS Folkside Coffeehouse is cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.

There will still be entertainment at the book store.

Roger Lehman Sat May 29th 7:00 pm
Roger is a fine singer / songwriter. For 35 years Roger has been performing throughout the U.S. and Canada. Roger has built a reputation as a first rate acoustic guitarist, songwriter and pianist. He has an emotionally charged voice that conveys both the humor and the drama that can be found in his songs.

Music is free, but we will pass the hat. Free parking in rear.

Henry Saint Juste May 29th 8:00 pm
Henry developed a talent for music at a young age. With the support of his family and the help of a good teacher, he as developed a real musical skill.
Please come out and support this young artist.
Music is free, but we will pass the hat.

Goodbye CJ

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:51:00 +0000

CJ our server at Papa Joe's is heading for Texas to be with her husband who is in the Army. A party was held to say goodbye and the place was packed with standing room only. That is how well thought of she is. As well as various gifts she received $420 from a collection.

CJ has been a fixture for the Open Mic from the day we started. Always a shining light the place will be dull without her. As well as being our server she played saxophone regularly with Bob and Ralph fondly known as The Elderly Brothers. Below is a video by Tom Harker of her farewell.

CJ I will miss you more then you know, it has been like having a second daughter around.

A good place to be at the weekend.

"Charlie, Teresa, and Friends". We are filling a slot at Espresso Yourself on the Memorial Day weekend. Here are the details:

Charlie, Teresa, and Friends are playing at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe, 50 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH, on Saturday, May 29, 2010, at 6:30-8:00 pm. The venue is 15 min from Route 315 and North Broadway (www.espressoyourselfmusiccafe.com). EYMC has a nice stage, sandwiches, coffee, tea, stained glass, comfy leather furniture, and good music. Rumor has it that James Taylor and Carole King are coming to town a day early to check out the Powell scene, so there could even be a star sighting. The usual suspects will be on hand: Charlie Flowers and Teresa Schleifer both on acoustic guitar and vocals, joined by Patrick Casey (djembe, accordion), Maury Falkoff (mandolin, dobro), Renilda Marshall (bass guitar), Rebecca Stansbury (fiddle), and Brian Szuch (electric guitar). Sure hope you can make it!

The Hard Tackers at Walleye Festival

The Hard Tackers will be performing on Saturday at the Port Clinton Walleye Festival up on the Lake. If you are around say hello.

Folk Society Concert

Saturday night at the Book Store. Not sure who is playing but worth a visit.

The Folk Festival for Folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Tue, 04 May 2010 11:28:00 +0000

The folk festival for Columbus is here at last.

This coming weekend will be the 14th annual Central Ohio Folk Festival. If you have not been to this event you must give it a try. Not only is it good entertainment but a wonderful learning experience and you get to meet some wonderful people.

Friday May 7, 2010 - Sunday May 9, 2010
at Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park Indian Ridge Area

Sponsored by

The Columbus Folk Music Society, Inc.
Partnering with Metro Parks at Battelle Darby Creek

Saturday Night Concert

Smokin Fez Monkey's The Yellow Room Gang James Keelaghan

Also including

Hank Arbaugh
Abnormal Sines
At Wits End
Doug Berch
Andy Beyer
Breakneck Allstars
Joanie Calem
Ann & Phil Case
Barry Chern
Randy Clepper
Tom Davis
Marge Diamond

Larry Drake
Margie Ellison
Carol Esch
Marion Funk
Vici Gombaski
Grassahol
Halfway Home
Dave Hawkins
Conrade Hinds
Jan Krist
Home Remedy
Michael Hough

Terry C. Keller
Julie McGhee
Rob McNurlin
Jim Miller
Sylvia Miller
Tim O’Conner
Victoria Parks
Kayton Roberts
Butch Ross
Gary & Toni Sager
Rick Savors
Second Wind
Bill Schilling
John Schomburg
Cathy Sheets
Bonnie Shiplet
Linda Sigismondi
Joni Sines
Steven K. Smith
Larry Staats
Steve Stapleton
Shelly Stevens
Tom Stiverson
David Tamulevich
The Answer Ladies
The Barn Doors
The Hard Tackers
Keenan Wade
Matt Watroba
Wild Hares
Barry Weaver
Randall Williams
Barb Withes
Carl Yaffey

Friday Night Meet and Greet

Pot luck and massive jam session.

The Worst Song in the World Competition.

Many Workshops over Saturday and Sunday

Many Free Shows for the general public.

Wednesday 5th May

The Hard Tackers will be at Upper Arlington Library 7PM

Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th Central Ohio Folk Festival

Loosely Strung
On Friday, May 7, Loosely Strung will invade Cheshire Market - Pizza & Bait Shop between 7 - 10 p.m. Look for the red building at the corner of Africa Rd. & Cheshire Rd. along Alum Creek Reservoir.

Goodby CJ

C J the wonderful server at Papa Joe's Will be leaving for out west.

C Js husband has been stationed in Texas and she will be moving out to join him.
We are having a party
Thursday night 6th May at Papa Joe;s Open Mic in Ashville.
This young lady has been wonderful to the Open Mic crowd and we want to give her a good send off.
Turn up with as many friends as you can. Be early to get a seat.

There will be around 15 plus performers so sign up early.

Sorry Folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:31:00 +0000

Sorry for the fact I have not been posting the blog for some time. Other matters have been taking up my time and I had to make a decision as to what went on the back burner.

If I missed a posting you sent to me I apologise.

Saturday and Sunday is the Viking Festival in Ashville.

This is a not to be missed spectacular. There is lots to do and see, constant entertainment and sights. Proceeds go to the Ashville food bank. If you go take a few cans.

Teresa Schleifer passed on the info below

Charlie, Teresa, and Friends are playing at Areopagitica Books again on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 7:00-9:00 pm. Here's the lineup: Charlie Flowers and Teresa Schleifer both on guitar and vocals, joined by awesome musicians Patrick Casey (djembe, accordion), Maury Falkoff (mandolin, dobro), Renilda Marshall (bass guitar), Rebecca Stansbury (fiddle), and Brian Szuch (electric guitar). Sure hope you can make it!

This from Avalon Nine

Looking for something fun to do Saturday night?
Check out the lineup at the Grandview Hop: http://www.thegrandviewhop.com/thismonth.htm

Live music everywhere, wine samples, shops, belly dancers, twirling hire hoopers (hey, I've seen this -- pretty amazing) and on & on...

Avalon Nine's 5 piece band will be inside Caribou Coffee from 6:30 to 9pm (just a couple blocks off 5th Ave. on Grandview Ave.). If you like Pink Floyd, Neil Young, 70s and 80s rock and Americana, you'll want to check out our crazy acoustic/electric mix!

Avalon Nine & Friends
Linda Blaine and Dave Clutter
Brian Szuch (electric guitar, dobro)
Rebecca Stansbury (violin)
and Mike Hale (bass)

www.myspace.com/avalonnine

Thanks for supporting live music in Columbus!

Half way through the Prince comes in. WOW I have never rated this fella but I have changed my mind.

Saturday Folk Jam

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:03:00 +0000

Saturday Folk Jam

I managed to get down to the best Bookshop in town on Saturday night for a jam session with the Thursday night crowd. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it is logical. On Thursday nights there is a regular jam session at Areopagitica Books 3510 N. High Street Columbus Ohio, one I would love to attend, but my commitment to the Ashville Open Mic prevents me. This session was asked to play on Saturday as part of the Bookshop's Saturday entertainment series.

I had a great time and there was a good audience. The Bookshop has built up a good following for their Saturday evening events and this coming Saturday is not to be missed.

Columbus Folk Music Society Monthly Concert and fundraiser for the Festival in May.

It is auction time folkies. I love this event there are always interesting items for sale. I will be at an event in Chilicothi on that day but I will bust a gut to get back in time. Yes I know my dues need to be paid.

March 27
The Folkside Coffeehouse and Live Auction
Featured Performer
Butch Ross
http://www.butchross.com/index1.html
3510 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Jam session at 7pm
The auction usually takes up the Open Mic slot at 8pm
Around 9pm is the guest.

Summer is around the corner

Local performers are gearing up for the rush. Make the best of it because the summer will be over before you know it. I have posted a few photo's to remind us what summer means.

Just for fun.

Sorry I can not embed this but it is well worth opening the web site. Volume loud, sit back and find out that getting older does not mean you can not have fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyS61DM1vyU

Storytelling for Folkie Families

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Storytelling for Folkie Families

Sunday is storytelling for the family with Fireside Tales. I can promise you a very enjoyable time with the Storytellers Of Central Ohio. You will hear some of the best storytellers in the country. Yes, not State, Country. That is how good they are. If you have in your mind someone sitting and reading from a book, forget it. These people are storytellers not readers.

The Storytellers Of Central Ohio
are presenting an afternoon of Music and Storytelling for the whole family with six of the best storytellers in Ohio,

Emily Bailey, Sally Crandall, Jim Flanagan, Frank McGarvey, David Austin Sky,

and Larry Staats

with The Hard Tackers Sea Shanty and Sea Songs Crew

March 07, 2010
2:00PM
McCoy Performing Arts Center
100 W. Granville St
New Albany, Oh 43054
Cost: $7/adults, $5/senior citizens, $4/children 12 years and under.
Tickets are available at the door.
For more information call Frank McGarvey at (614) 268-0532.

New and old faces at Ashville.

Friday March 5 at the Cheshire Market on Africa Road

Loosely Strung. See you there folks.

For Fun

And The Winner Is

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:48:00 +0000

John Schomburg wins the third verse challenge.

(Photo: Contestants line up ready to sing their verse)

In a very close contest John edged it to win with the best white trash verse.

A video copy of all the performers will be sent to Fred Eaglesmith. Let's hope he will choose one of the verses to include in the song.

Knowing the fun to come a good audience turned up to cheer the contestants on.

I have to give a special mention to Judy (Extreme left) although a regular this was the first time she had graced the stage at Papa Joe's.

Fireside Tales this Sunday
If you have never been to a Storytellers Of Central Ohio event you are missing out. This one is for families. Get rid of the winter blues, shake off the cabin fever and give it a try. I promise you an entertaining afternoon.

The Storytellers Of Central Ohio are presenting an afternoon of Music and Storytelling
for the whole family with six of the best storytellers in Ohio,

Emily Bailey, Sally Crandall, Jim Flanagan, Frank McGarvey, David Austin Sky, and Larry Staats

with the Hard Tackers Sea Shanty and Sea Songs Team

March 07, 2010
2:00PM
McCoy Performing Arts Center
100 W. Granville St
New Albany, Oh 43054
Cost: $7/adults, $5/senior citizens, $4/children 12 years and under.
Tickets are available at the door.
For more information call Frank McGarvey at (614) 268-0532.
for directions, see http://www.mccoycenterforthearts.com/directions-parking

The video below shows just how much fun you can have with music. You will enjoy the head bobbing demo.

The Central Ohio Folk Festival is not far off. I promise.

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:43:00 +0000

My left little toe tells me that this summer will be a scorcher. (Remember, it was here first) Spring is around the corner and when you are at the Columbus Folk Festival jamming with friends you will forget the snow.

There are still places to go and people to see in the folk music and storytelling world. I have had a few e mails from people saying they are locked in because the snow ploughs have not been through, I had one day locked in myself.

There is a little something right after the video to make you smile.

If you can get out, shake off the cabin fever and have some fun. Here are a few items you may want to keep in mind.

This Saturday 20 Feb

I had this e mail from Dave Rainey of The Rainey's.

Hi guys
I just checked and we have maybe 15 seats or so remaining for our show at JR Hooks in Circleville this weekend. We will do our best to squeeze in as many as possible but it would be a good idea to let us know in advance that you are coming. You can call 740-412-5281 or email americanamusicseries@gmail.com to reserve your seats. OR if you like, respond back to me at this email with the number attending and I will pass along the information. With the weather being what it is, it is possible that some folks with reservations won't show up so if you decide at the last minute you are coming just call me at 614-832-1192 and I will see what we can do. The girls and I are excited about playing this venue and will do our best to make it a good show.
Hope to see you there!
The Raineys

This message from Alan Belasco

Americana Music Series at JR Hooks Café Music Room

An Evening with Death By Banjo

The Americana Music Series continues in downtown Circleville on Saturday evening, February 27 with outstanding acoustic group Death By Banjo. They will perform in the Music Room in the rear of JR Hooks Café, located at 115 Watt Street. The doors will open at 6:00 pm, and the music will begin at 8:00 pm. Advance tickets are available now for $5 by calling (740) 412-5281, or email americanamusicseries@gmail.com. Any seating still available the day of the show can be purchased at the door for $7. Advance dinner reservations for seating between the hours of 6:00 and 7:00 pm in the Music Room can be made by calling (740) 474-2158. Shows can sell out, so call ahead to purchase advance tickets or make dining reservations for any of the upcoming performances.

One for you diary from Alan

Bill Staines is coming to Columbus in March

Thought you may be interested in knowing that Bill Staines, awesome singer-songwriter from New England, will be playing in Columbus on Thursday, March 11, at the Columbus Montessori Education Center on South James Road. I don’t have a lot of details at the moment other than that fact that Becky Ogden, former owner of the Columbus Music Hall, is the person who put this together. Tickets are $18 in advance, $15 for Senior Citizens (not that you would qualify!).

I’m sending this email to a lot of folks, most of whom know of him, but if Bill Staines’ name doesn’t ring a bell, he wrote such great songs as “Roseville Fair,” “River,” “Down the Road,” and “(All God’s Children Got) A Place in the Choir.” He’s left-handed, but when he got his first guitar, he didn’t know that it was set up and strung for a right-handed player. So he taught himself to play upside down and backwards— Last time we saw him in Ohio was a number of years ago in Granville.

There is information available through the Montessori School at 231-3790. Ask for Becky Ogden. She promises to have posters up and around soon.

Please tell your friends! This will be a wonderful evening.

Talent will out.

Summer's almost here ... We're starting to see the deer moving around. Yep, won't be long now!

Snow. What the folk arts are made for.

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:05:00 +0000

OK so the headline is rubbish. I am trying to be positive. Not easy in these weather condition unless you are a snow rabbit or a polar bear. Last Friday night Mo and I walked round to a friends house and we played Wii bowling. Final measurement of the snow when we left at 1am was eight and half inches, measured on top of the table on the deck.

Lots of cancelled events over the last few days and it looks like there may be more with snow Tuesday and Wednesday. We will laugh at this come August.

Ashville Rolls With Laughter

I went to the event in Ashville last week where Jeff Hartley and John Schomburg were the performers. What a night. The place was packed and Jeff and John were on their form. Two hours of non stop laughter. If you get the chance you have to get John S to do his Beatnik impression.

Song writer Challenge

White Trash extra verse. If you have not received the information on this and would like to have a go contact me. I have sent out a copy of the original to most people, but I may have missed some. You do not have to be a song writer to enter, it is just for fun.

The song White Trash by Fred Eaglesmith only has two verses. The challenge is to write a third.
The challenge will take place at the Ashville Open Mic on Thursday 18 February. It will be easy, it is planned in such a way that you only have to sing the verse you write.

If you have not experienced Ashville open mic give it a try. Well worth the journey. Lots of music, banter, leg pulling and friendship.

That Man is at it Again

Who is he?

Bill Cohen

The Event is a concert by Bill Cohen, to benefit the Central Ohio Folk Festival, May 7 - 9 at Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park.

The Valentine Concert, is at Areopagetica Book Store, on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 Bill will be doing songs for Valentines. Get there early, Bill always pulls a good crowd. Because he is good.

A Few Things To Make You Smile On A Cold Day

Tom Paxton

Lots of Folk Activities for Folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:21:00 +0000

It is always nice to have a choice of folk entertainment and there is plenty coming up.

Saturday at the book shop is the Columbus Folk Music Society Monthly concert.

This from Victoria

Don't forget, the Gipson & Fitz Trio with Rachel Frank performs January 30 for the Folkside Coffeehouse. The Gipson & Fitz Trio entertains audiences with an original blend of Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, and Southern Rock. Brant Gipson lends his voice, acoustic guitar, and banjo to an inspiring body of sound consisting of striking lyrics, strong vocals, and bold melodies. Mark Fitzharris adds his unique vocal ability and his exceptional guitar and mandolin playing to create the fully developed sound of Gipson & Fitz. Bassist, Billy Cory has now joined Gipson & Fitz on stage. Whether plucking, slapping or bowing, Billy’s upright bass playing punches through to the heart of the most skeptical music fans. The trio has grown with the ongoing evolution of their genre while maintaining the purity of its roots. The strong songwriting and vocal skills within the group, along with a vigorous passion for the art of music drive the Gipson & Fitz Trio to continually strive for new sounds to please audiences of all ages. They are no strangers to the stage, having appeared in various projects, the most notable of which were “Uncle Sam’s Dream Machine” (www.USDM.com), the “Uptown Elephant Company” and the “Teeny Tucker Band” (www.ttuckerblues.com). As previous members of these groups, they played many different venues in amny states and have shared the stage with legendary artists such as Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Dylan, Rusted Root, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley Jr., and Buddy Guy.

If you enjoy discovering lively new original tunes and rediscovering classics in a new light then be sure to check out the Gipson & Fitz Trio January 30th at the Folkside Coffeehouse. We will be treated to the fantastic fiddling of Rachel Frank as this trio becomes a quartet for this extra special performance! Doors open at 7PM with the featured performance at 9PM at Areopagitica Bookstore, 3510 N. High Street, Columbus. Suggested Donation is $5, $4 for CFMS members, plus a can of food for the Mid-Ohio Fook Bank.

That night you also have a fund raiser for the Ashville Viking Festival.

You will have Jeff Hartley and John Schomburg performing. They have both been asked to perform their funny material so it should be a good night. This will be at 5 PM at Papa Joe's in Ashville. (You may be able to get back in time to the CFMS Gig)

The same night

A message from: Teresa Schleifer

Charlie, Teresa, and Friends are playing at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at 6:00-8:00 pm. Here's the lineup: Charlie Flowers and Teresa Schleifer both on guitar and vocals, joined by awesome musicians Patrick Casey (djembe, accordion), Maury Falkoff (mandolin, dobro), Renilda Marshall (bass guitar), Rebecca Stansbury (fiddle), and Brian Szuch (electric guitar). Sure hope you can make it!

The next day: A message from Karl

Hi, everybody!

I wanted to let you know that I will be the "featured artist" on WOSU's "Music in Mid-Ohio," this Sunday, January 31. For those of you in Central Ohio, you can listen to Christopher Purdy's Music in Mid-Ohio at 89.7 FM at 6:00 p.m. For those of you outside the area, you can stream the show from www.wosu.org/radio/ Please listen in, and if you're so motivated, support your local public radio station. Big thanks to Eric French and Christopher Purdy!

My CD is now also available through CDBaby, and you can also find downloads there and on other digital music sources, including iTunes. Check it out! www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KarlWohlwend Over the next two weeks, CDBaby will donate $1 from all album sales to charities aiding the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Please check it out - if you already have my album, I'm sure you can find another recording you will enjoy and help out Mercy Corps and the American Red Cross at the same time.

As always, thanks so much for your continued support!

Karl Wohlwend

For anyone beginning guitar

For you potential drummers

Ashville Open Mic cancelled because of snow

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:36:00 +0000

Ashville Open Mic cancelled because of snow

There will be no open mic this Thursday 7 January because of a forecast of up to 5 inches of snow.

Please let as many people know as possible.

Other Happenings you may find interesting thanks to Larry Staats

Storytelling Open Stage Jan 7
By: Storytellers of Central Ohio
7:00 - 9:00 PM, At: Wild Goose Creative
2491 Summit St. (Just S. of Hudson), Columbus, OH 43202
Info: http://www.socotales.org/speakeasy.jpeg &
http://www.wildgoosecreative.com/Wild_Goose_Creative___Home.html

All Soles Contra Dance Jan 8
First Unitarian Universalist Church
93 W. Weisheimer, Columbus, OH
Instruction for beginners at 7:30 pm, dancing at 8:00
Info: http://Firstuucolumbus.org/AllSoles

Early Music In Columbus Jan 8, 9, 10.
THE EARLY INTERVAL
An English Twelfth Night Celebration 8:00 pm
7:30 pm Pre-concert lecture, Pontifical College Josephinum
7625 N. High Street,Columbus,OH
Info: http://www.earlymusicincolumbus.org/emc/Welcome.html

Six String Concerts Jan 9
Diana Jones and Jonathan Byrd
Columbus Performing Arts Center (Shedd Theater)
Columbus, OH
Info: http://www.sixstring.org/season.asp

Recreational Folk Dancers Mid-Winter Party Jan 9
Every year, the various folk dance groups in Columbus get together for a
party.
All dances will be taught. Expect American Contra, English Country, Scottish
Country, International Folk Dancing, Irish Country Sets, and Welsh Country
Dancing! 7:30-11:00 PM, Clinton Heights Lutheran Church
15 Clinton Heights Ave., Columbus, OH
Info: http://www.recfolkdancers.webs.com/

From the Storytellers of Central Ohio

Thursday evening, come out to our first Speak Easy of the season and the first in our NEW location! We'll start at 7 pm at the Wild Goose Creative, half a block south of Hudson on Summit.

Friday evening, we're joining up at the Shamrock Club at 7:30 (downstairs in the pub and yes, the bar will be serving!) You don't have to be Irish and neither do your stories (we won't even insist you try Guinness). Last time, we heard family tales aplenty from folks who don't think of themselves as storytellers, even if they are...

And last but most certainly NOT least--Saturday morning, our regular monthly meeting at Aeropagitica Bookstore 3510 N. High St., 10:30-12:30. Our speaker will be Emil McVeigh, leading a discussion on SOCO: OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

Happy New Folk Year

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:38:00 +0000

Happy New Folk Year

Happy new year one and all. I would think all is back to normal in work and family, the same applying to your Folk entertainment preferences. The days are getting longer now and in a few weeks we will be looking forward to out door festivals with sun, grass, leaves and the sound of music and storytelling on the breeze. For me it will also mean gliding down a river in my kayak casting left and right pulling small mouth bass out with ease as Ken Willis watches in amazement and decides to write another song about it.

Avalon Nine hit the big time

At last the Avalon Nine CD is out and a good one to I promise. Details of there release party are below.

Avalon Nine’s CD release party

Sat., Jan. 9th at 9pm at

Victorian’s Midnight Café

251 W. 5th in Columbus (at 5th & Neil)

Come out for a night of music, celebration & thanks to

friends & family who made “Miss Ohio” possible.

Music by Avalon Nine from 9pm to 12:30 am.

No Cover! CD’s $10

Musical guests include Brian Szuch (electric guitar, dobro, mandolin);

Rebecca Stansbury (violin); Mike Hale (bass); vocalist Linda Rudy;

Singer/songwriter Rj Cowdery; and acoustic duo “Melodic.”

“Miss Ohio” is collection of nine songs reflecting the

life & landscape of Ohio by songwriters such as Gillian Welch,

John Hartford, Rj Cowdery, and Steve Earle and Jeff Hartley (I added that one JL)

www.victoriansmidnightcafe.com/

www.myspace.com/avalonnine

E-mail Linda & Dave (Avalon Nine) at: avalonnine@yahoo.com

♪ ♫ Thanks for supporting live music! ♪ ♫

Death of a pioneer (From the New York Times)

Tim Hart, Folk-Rock Musician, Dies at 61

MADRID (AP) — Tim Hart, a founding member of Steeleye Span, one of the first British folk-rock groups, died Dec. 24 in La Gomera in the Canary Islands, where he had lived since retiring from music. He was 61.

The cause was lung cancer, his daughter, Sally Hart, said.

Mr. Hart first gained fame in a musical partnership with the singer Maddy Prior in 1966. The duo recorded two albums of English folk songs, on which he sang and played guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, banjo and violin.

A few years later Mr. Hart and Ms. Prior joined with the bassist Ashley Hutchings, who had been an original member of the folk-rock band Fairport Convention. At Mr. Hart’s suggestion the band they formed with two other musicians was named Steeleye Span, after a character in a Lincolnshire folk song, “Horkstow Grange.”

Steeleye Span, which recorded its first album in 1970, played a distinctly British brand of folk-rock, more tradition-oriented than the American version being made by Bob Dylan, the Byrds and others. The group had most of its chart success in Britain but gained a loyal following in the United States, especially after touring the country in the mid-1970s as the opening act for Jethro Tull.

Mr. Hart left Steeleye Span in 1983 but performed with the group at a charity concert in 1995. Last year he and Ms. Prior appeared together at a BBC concert in London.

While living on La Gomera, Mr. Hart became active as a photographer. He called the island “my inexhaustible subject” and took the photographs for an English-language guide to La Gomera that he published in 2004.

Mr. Hart is survived by his wife, Connie, and a daughter and son from a previous marriage.

Message from Halfway Home

Happy 2010!!! Are you set to get on with a new year? Halfway Home is getting ready with some exciting new music and lots of chances to play already booked. We are confirmed for more shows in Berlin, Ohio up in Amish country, as well as a return engagement at Clifton opera House in April. We have a couple of gigs at the Shamrock Club in Columbus early in the year, the Central Ohio Folk Festival, as well as summer shows booked for the Newark Mayor's Concert series and a couple of sets at the Ohio State Fair.

We have a few other things still in the works, but it looks like 2010 will be a very busy one for us - lots of chances to see all of you again, and to meet more music fans all over the state.

Of course, as the New Year dawns, there is plenty of reflection on how all of us can improve going forward. For instance, Brian resolves to keep on working on more innovative lead guitar licks and to show up for rehearsals on time. Patti promises to keep bringing her tremendous energy to performances, and to keep everything anyone could possibly need in her van (need a band-aid or corkscrew or a metric socket set - no problem....).

Mike will keep on bringing the sound and light gear and keep it in good working order, but makes no promises on the whole haircut thing. Renilda will keep on holding everything together with her solid bass playing, and will try not to hit anyone with the bass when they get out of line. Which brings us to Patrick......?

He has resolved to not buy any more accordions, but beyond that, there are sooooooo many areas of improvement to be addressed we don't know where to start. Here's your chance to contribute to the improvement of early 21st century civilization. We will welcome and consider any and all resolutions you may suggest for Patrick - whether they concern musical skills, personal hygiene, or any other behavior modifications he may need to make. He won't listen to the rest of the band; we are hoping that he will take seriously some constructive suggestions from people like you who have observed his public behavior. We appreciate any help you can provide.

In the meantime, we are looking forward to seeing all of you sometime soon - you can help us make 2010 the best year yet. (We'll get back to you on the suggestions for Patrick's self improvement... and send out an email or two highlighting a few of the best ideas.)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Patti, Renilda, Brian, Mike & Patrick

Halfway Home

Here is one for fun

Have a Folk Arts Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Have a good Christmas all of you and remember to to do a little for those who may not be so fortunate.

Have a Christmas Smile at the little lad on the right of Ernie Ford

Folk Arts the best thing since sliced bread.

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 +0000

Folk Arts the best thing since sliced bread.

I am having such a good time I expect to wake up from a dream at any moment. There is nothing better then the friendships made through folk music and the other folk arts. If your interests be music, storytelling or any other of the folk arts then get involved because you will make some of the best friends you have ever had and don't think you have to be a musician or storyteller to get involved.

If you are a regular member of folk audiences then stop and talk to the performers after the show. Get yourself involved with the relevant organizations. Columbus Folk Music Society, Storytellers of Central Ohio are an excellent place to start. The folk arts in Ohio is a big club, you will be amazed at the people number of people you will meet.

One of the best places to start would be Areopagitica Books located at

3510 N. High Street
Columbus
Ohio
areopagiticabooks@rrohio.com

They have something going on all the time CFMS and SOCO meet there, poetry session, jam sessions it is the place to be if you want to get involved in the folk arts and make lots of friends.

Ashville Christmas Party an Absolute Blast

The most people ever, turned up for the Ashville Open Mic Christmas party. The newly painted walls, refurbished lighting, new seating arrangments and repositioned stage were a added extra to the evening. The music and fun were to the fore with twenty performers. Because of the numbers we had to restrict everyone to two songs, but that did not detract from a good time. The challenge this year was to impersonate someone. As you can imagine it was great fun with some very recognisable characters. Go to You Tube and put (englishmanjohn all one word) in search they should be under entered this week in the drop down.

Pennington and the gang out do themselves.

I was unable to get to The Bookshop Saturday night because of a prior engagement, I understand from a reliable individual that it was an amazing show put on by Larry Pennington and a few members of Halfway Home. It was described to me as some of the best music put on at the bookshop. I have always rated Larry as an excellent song writer and performer I am pleased to see he is moving forward in leaps and bounds. Look out for the CD when it comes out. I know there is one on the horizon.

The Hard Tackers in the Columbus Dispatch this Saturday

The Hard Tackers had a visit from two Dispatch reporters at their weekly practice on Tuesday night. Individuals were interviewed lots of photographs, singing and sarcastic remarks. The results should be in the Dispatch this Saturday. Just in time for their Performance at the Bookshop Saturday night.

The music starts at 7:00PM with the Tri village Dulcimers followed by The Hard Tackers at 8:00PM Come along for a good singalong and listen to some new songs they are doing.
Areopagitica Books located at
3510 N. High Street
Columbus
Ohio

Cute or What?

Lots of Folk information for Folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Lots of Folk information for Folkies.

First off is the Ashville Open Mic Christmas party. 7pm Thursday 10 December

Always a big event. There can be up to twenty performers on the sign up sheet and we hate to turn anyone down. In the past we have reduced everyone to two songs so as to get everyone in. This could well be the case again this year.

If you have not been for a while you will notice changes to the room. Still more to be done but much better.

I would advise that you come early. Why? Because this year each performers is being asked to perform at least one song in the style of a well know person. If you want to see John Locke make a fool of himself then be there for 7pm when he will be doing Early Morning Rain by Gorden Lightfoot in the style of Eminem.

We are also hoping there will be a repeat of last years Conga by Joan and Randi.

There will be lots of fun, so do not miss it.

$1000 Ashville talent competition.

The new owners of Papa Joe's are holding a talent competition. Contact Shannon at Papa Joe's at 740-983-6100 for information

I had this message from Jamie Saine of WPA Music

I came across you Folkie Haven blog and know of a band you might be interested in. They\'ll be playing in Kent, Oh on Dec. 13.

WPA is Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket), Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) and Luke Bulla (Lyle Lovett, Jerry Douglas Band), transformed to an expandable collection of additional WPA members along the road, as individual band member schedules allow.

The band\'s sound is really one that needs to be heard as it incorporates influences from so many genres. Check out some of the live video on Youtube (on the glenphillipsofficial channel) or listen at www.wpamusic.com to see why the LA Times wrote, \"In songs that pulled equally from country, folk, rock, soul and pop, the group\'s sound was dense and full-bodied yet had a clarity that revealed the deep-seated craftiness of WPA\'s arrangements. As a veteran of any field knows, it takes years of effort to appear this effortless.\"

As I said, WPA will be playing in Kent, OH on Dec. 13 at The Kent Stage. We\'d love to have a write up about the group on Folkie Haven as well as having the show listed on your events calendar.

Go here for a sample http://www.wpamusic.com/

Should you go and see them YES

We found out at the last minute that they were at The Basement in downtown Columbus on Monday night so Dick Plunk and myself went down there.

What a good band and do these gents have fun.

The opening group is a complete contrast to WPA. Caravan of Thieves are astounding in their musical prowess, they do however in their musical brilliance seem to have lost the fact that it is fun. All movements seem to have been choreographed down to the last breath. If you want to see a group that will musically blow you away Caravan of Thieves will do it.

On the other hand if you want to see musical ability and good fun then WPA are a must. Each one of them could do a solo performance and you would be enthralled, put them together and you have a hell of a band. Because of the history of band members they do a wide selection of music from blue grass to folk to light rock. The interaction of the band members came over. They were having a good time and that feeling came over to a small, very knowledgeable, and appreciative audience. I had a great time and would go to hear them again at the drop of a hat.

The Biter Gets Bitten

You may be aware that the big music companies are clamping down on the little guy in that people are being made bankrupt because of legal action being taken for the slightest copyright infringement. The latest is that they have started insisting the some of the web sites showing chords and lyrics be removed.

Well the tables have turned and the big boys stand to be hit for around $6 Billion

Go here for the full story http://www.thestar.com/business/article/735096--geist-record-industry-faces-liability-over-infringement

Do you ever get fed up with kids making you look a fool?

http://www.boncherry.com/blog/2009/09/22/the-real-guitar-hero-sungha-jung/

Another One Bites the Dust

Farewell to an Irish music legend: Liam Clancy, 74, dies in Cork hospital
By Adam Richter
December 04, 2009, 7:46PM
First things first: The late Liam Clancy was NOT a brother of novelist Tom Clancy. The folk singer and onetime member of The Clancy Brothers was, however, a part of the Irish folk music revival in the United States in the late 1960s and '70s. If you go into an Irish-themed bar and see 20- and 30-somethings singing along to the traditional songs, chances are pretty good their parents had Clancy Brothers records on the family stereo growing up.

I sure did. My parents, both of Irish descent and both gigantic folk music fans, had probably every Clancy Brothers (with Tommy Makem) album that existed. Before I knew about Kiss and the Bee Gees, I knew about traditional Irish songs. "Rock 'n' Roll All Night" didn't enter my consciousness until well after "The Rising Of The Moon." I didn't know about "Jive Talkin'" but I did know the legend of "Finnegan's Wake."

According to the Associated Press, Liam and his brothers Tom and Patrick moved to New York in the mid 1950s to pursue acting careers. But it was their recording of old Irish rebel songs that brought them fame. The band played on Ed Sullivan, performed at Carnegie Hall and toured the world before breaking up in 1974.

Were they cheesy? A little bit. Did the Irish folk revival lead to a bunch of cornball imitators? Of course. But the Clancy Brothers also brought their home country's lyric tradition to a mainstream audience and made it possible for later generations to add to the genre. Without them, I wonder if we'd have The Pogues or the Dropkick Murphys.

Unfortunately for my wife and dog, I will probably insist on playing MY old Clancy Brothers records this weekend, in tribute to the last brother.

Here's a clip of Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem performing "Rambles of Spring," a lively little number that appeared on "The Makem and Clancy Collection" back in the 1980s

The Hard Tackers win Sea Shanty prize in Portsmouth Ohio.

Here is a copy of the press release from the Southern Ohio Folk Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOFA Awards Shantyman Trophy at Local Music Festival

Portsmouth, Ohio - December 6, 2009 - The high point of this year’s Port City Festival of River, Canal and Maritime Music occurred Saturday evening with the presentation of the Festival’s top honor - the Don Sherman Shantyman Cup.

The cup, a perpetual trophy named in honor of Scioto County native, and US Navy veteran, Don Sherman, is awarded to the group, or individual, whose sea shanty performance is judged to best uphold the time-honored traditions of maritime music. This year the coveted Shantyman Cup was awarded to The Hardtackers, a maritime musical group from Columbus, Ohio. Also performing at this year’s Festival were a number of local musicians and shantymen, including Shark Bait and the Irish-themed group Fir Ceoil na Mara.

Sea shanties are the songs used in the days of wind-powered ships to help sailors keep time while working. Totally dependent upon muscle power to work their ships, sea shanties were used by sailors to coordinate their efforts. Typical of work songs, most shanties were “call and response” songs with a “Shantyman” employed to lead the call. A talented Shantyman was a valued and respected member of the ships crew.

“We were really thrilled when a group of the caliber of The Hardtackers asked to participate in this year’s Festival. It really raised the bar for our local shantymen,” observed a spokesperson for SOFA - the Southern Ohio Folk Alliance.

The Festival, sponsored by the Sherman-Kricker Insurance Agency and the Port City Café and Pub, is an annual event presented by SOFA, a performing arts organization dedicated to the preservation and presentation of folk and traditional music in the greater Portsmouth area. Anyone interested in learning more about SOFA is invited to attend one of the group’s meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday of each month, at 7:00pm, at the Port City Café and Pub, 424 Chillicothe Street.

Contact:
John Hogan
sofasongs@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 629
Portsmouth, OH 45662
740-354-2754

We had a goooooood time down in Portsmouth (We arrived home around 2:30am) If you are in Portsmouth you must go to the Port City Cafe and Pub. It is with out doubt the best pub/bar I have been in since arriving in the USA. Note the Trophy????

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Simeon Soul Charger

These gentlemen were passing through Thursday night and called into the Ashville Open Mic and played a set. They are from Lima and on Monday night they are playing at Oldfields on High at 10pm. If you are into self penned rock don't miss them. Everyone at Ashville were very impressed.

http://www.myspace.com/simeonsoulcharger

Try their my space page and visit their web page at http://www.simeonsoulcharger.com/

Keep a Lookout around the start of the week. Last Saturday night The hard Tackers won a prestigious award at the Portsmouth Sea Shanty Festival. Also for information on the Ashville Christmas party. (Not to be missed)

Three Weeks to Folk Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Photo: Nice to see Larry back after his months working in Florida

Where did the year go?

We may all be asking that question. The older you get the more often you ask the question. Let us see if we can help relieve the problem of what to buy a spouse, friend, brother, sister and anyone else you can think of.

Here are the supposed top eleven folk albums of the year. According to Stereo Subversion.

1. Laura Gibson, Beasts of Seasons
I have a feeling this will inspire some controversy. However, simply put (and played in this case), Laura Gibson has crafted one of the year’s best albums. Beasts of Seasons never sets out to shock, startle, or aggressively grab you; rather it is an exercise in subtleness that succeeds with staggering achievements. From the somber opening of “Shadows on Parade” Gibson’s latest album paints detailed aural portraits composed around the gentle plucking of a nylon stringed guitar and gracefully ragged vocals. A sprinkling of found sounds fills out the album along with dramatic atmospheric swells of sound, and Gibson’s honest and emotive songwriting keeps listeners hanging on every word.

2. Joker’s Daughter, The Last Laugh
If someone told me at the close of last year that one of 2009’s best folk albums would be an album produced by Danger Mouse, I don’t know if I would have believed them. But here we are and the duo of Helena Costas and Danger Mouse has proven to be a superior pairing. Engaging with Arthurian legend, various folk tropes, and pop music inspired studio techniques, this album manages to span various genres while firmly maintaining an anchor in folk music. From the steady groove of the album opener “Worm’s Head” to the whimsical, at times almost carnival-esque “The Goblin’s Run,” The Last Laugh manages to both surprise and impress, while providing the year’s most unexpected collaborations.

3. Port O’Brien, Threadbare
Muting many of their more overt rock aesthetics, Port O’Brien are back with their third full-length installment. Eschewing much of their more light-hearted material, Threadbare explores a much darker and more sobering sound. This latest album sees Port O’Brien expanding their musical vocabulary, especially evident in the swelling dynamics of “Calm Me Down” and the dramatic pairing of vocals and strings on “Next Season”.

4. Alela Diane, To Be Still
At times you almost have to wonder if Alela Diane is directly channeling Joan Baez’ voice, a comparison I’m sure she is already tired of hearing, but a pertinent one none the less. To Be Still, from its opener to the closing “Lady Divine,” is a hauntingly beautiful album. Austere vocals, beautiful arrangements, and an organic and refreshing approach to music define Diane’s most recent effort. “White As Diamonds” aptly displays Diane’s wealth of talent as her vocals lead an inventive approach to the subtle polyrhythms entrenched in the folk medium.

5. Taken By Trees, East of Eden
Taken By Trees, a.k.a. Victoria Bergsman is picking up exactly where she left off with Open Field, that is mixing her unique vocal timbre with astutely arranged song structures and an interesting cover thrown in for good measure. Leaving behind her jolly rendition of “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Bergsman this time around is giving Animal Collective a bit of a re-vamp (or in this case a de-vamp) bringing a whimsical twist to “My Boys.” The rest of the album reflects the unique recording environment these songs were captured in, with the entire album being recorded in Pakistan.

6. Shelley Short, A Cave, A Canoo
Bringing another dose of her stripped down, bare bones, largely acoustic song treatment, Shelley Short has crafted another gem of an album. Featuring a subtly obscured optimism in her bouncing vocals, Short speaks directly to the listener via her acute narratives and skillful manipulation of vocal melody. There is a quiet, wistful quality to her voice that lends her songs a depth of feeling not easily achieved with minimal accompaniment, and these songs resound with originality and importance.

7. Ah Holly Faml’y, Reservoir
Continuing a fine tradition of folk-influenced artists hailing from Portland, Ah Holly Faml’y bring us a multi-layered album that becomes more rewarding with each listen. Boasting eight gifted musicians, Ah Holly Faml’y composes intricate detail oriented chamber-folk, rich in dynamic expression and aural textures, featuring lilting strings interacting with the breathy vocals of Jeremy Faulkner.

8. A Hawk & A Hacksaw, Delivrance
No one said anything about this being an American folk list, and while A Hawk & A Hacksaw may hail from New Mexico, that is about as American as their music gets. Taking a healthy dose of influence from Eastern European and Baltic music, Delivrance offers a collection of songs driven by truly astounding musicianship with fiddle, accordion, brass, and percussion pursuing breakneck tempos, off-kilter timings and complex melodies, all the while offering a culturally diverse sound.

9. Frank Fairfield, Frank Fairfield
Here is a bit of a new one. Having just released his debut full-length this year, Frank Fairfield comes directly from the folds of days long since past. Only amassing a mere 23 years of life experience, Fairfield plays banjo, guitar, and fiddle with a grace and skill most can only imagine. His repertoire consists entirely of traditional American tunes such as “John Hardy” and “Cumberland Gap” played with an intensity and urgency these songs have not felt in years. A gritty, raw, and authentic representation of American roots music at its best.

10. Vic Chesnutt, At The Cut
Never one to play the complacent or indifferent musician, Vic Chesnutt woefully sighs his way through beautifully simplistic melodies driven by words that could weigh down Atlas himself. This album may strike more than just a few minor chords, but all to astounding and riveting effect. Arrangements sculpt emotions into sounds with the aide of members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Fugazi, making this album one of the year’s best regardless of genres.

11. The Dodos- Time To Die
Coming in with the furthest leaning rock flavor, The Dodos skillfully pair daft finger-picking with hypnotic vocal phrases and unrelenting percussion. Time To Die continues to display The Dodos ability to turn well-composed songs into fantastic albums, with each song playing an important role in the album as a whole. It doesn’t hurt that the album was produced by Phil Ek either.

Story Teller Wanted

I am looking for a story teller to share the platform with me in August 2010. About thirty minutes of Columbus/ Ohio history content with a little humor. Contact me on 614 846 9049.

This is a paid gig

A Message from Halfway Home.

OK - glad to see you've all survived that whole Thanksgiving thing. Just think of it as a dress rehearsal for the really prolonged holiday madness with family coming up in December. Maybe we all developed some survival strategies that will serve us well later on this month when coping with relatives you only see once a year. While excessive alcohol consumption is a personal favorite of many, there are some obvious downsides, like the hangovers or those annoying former drinkers who become those self-appointed designated drivers who keep trying to get you to join them at their next self-improvement seminar/pep rally while your trying to judge whether or not you can survive jumping out of a moving car as he slows down for the next light.

But we digress......

If you really want to take a break form the holiday madness we've got a brilliant idea - come to Areopagitica Books (3510 North High St in Clintonville) this coming Saturday (Dec 5th) for an evening of music with Halfway Home. We are playing from 7:00 to 9:00. You will have an evening of music and fun with the band, and if you're a smart shopper you'll buy a bunch of our cd's - they fit very nicely in most stockings and gift baskets. Beyond the obvious choice of a Halfway Home cd, there are shelves full of great book values for you to peruse at Areopagitica. They also have gift certificates available if you can't decide between the crock-pot road-kill cooking recipe book or that nicely bound book of Greek poetry. There truly is something for everyone at Areopagitica, and you get to deal with Doug & Rebecca - two of the finest people you will ever meet.

This is our last gig of 2009. It's been a remarkable year for Halfway Home - we have had lots of opportunities to play for some wonderful music fans, and have made some new friends along the way. Thanks for a great ride in 2009; we're looking forward to more big things in 2010!!!!

See you soon,

Patti, Brian, Mike, Pat & Renilda

ALMOST FORGOT:THERE WILL BE CAKE!!

HALFWAY HOME

The Hard Tackers in Portsmouth Ohio

If you fancy a drive to Portsmouth, around a two hours drive, The Hard Tackers are at the Port City Festival of River, Canal and Maritime Music. A Southern Ohio Folk Alliance event. They are on at 9pm.

January Coffee House From Victoria Parks.

The Gipson & Fitz Trio with Rachel Frank performs January 30 for the Folkside Coffeehouse. The Gipson & Fitz Trio entertains audiences with an original blend of Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, and Southern Rock. Brant Gipson lends his voice, acoustic guitar, and banjo to an inspiring body of sound consisting of striking lyrics, strong vocals, and bold melodies. Mark Fitzharris adds his unique vocal ability and his exceptional guitar and mandolin playing to create the fully developed sound of Gipson & Fitz. Bassist, Billy Cory has now joined Gipson & Fitz on stage. Whether plucking, slapping or bowing, Billy’s upright bass playing punches through to the heart of the most skeptical music fans. The trio has grown with the ongoing evolution of their genre while maintaining the purity of its roots. The strong songwriting and vocal skills within the group, along with a vigorous passion for the art of music drive the Gipson & Fitz Trio to continually strive for new sounds to please audiences of all ages. They are no strangers to the stage, having appeared in various projects, the most notable of which were “Uncle Sam’s Dream Machine” (www.USDM.com), the “Uptown Elephant Company” and the “Teeny Tucker Band” (www.ttuckerblues.com). As previous members of these groups, they played many different venues in amny states and have shared the stage with legendary artists such as Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Dylan, Rusted Root, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, Bo Diddley Jr., and Buddy Guy.

If you enjoy discovering lively new original tunes and rediscovering classics in a new light then be sure to check out the Gipson & Fitz Trio January 30th at the Folkside Coffeehouse. We will be treated to the fantastic fiddling of Rachel Frank as this trio becomes a quartet for this extra special performance! Doors open at 7PM with the featured performance at 9PM at Areopagitica Bookstore, 3510 N. High Street, Columbus. Suggested Donation is $5, $4 for CFMS members, plus a can of food for the Mid-Ohio Fook Bank.

Bass Players. Can You Do This?

Free to Folkies or anyone else

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:17:00 +0000

Two piano's free to a good home.

Donald and Linda Hartley have two piano's both need to be tuned.

One is a player it needs new rollers. 740 983 9124

Go at it folks.

Ashville Open Mic Closes.

There will be no Open Mic on 26 November

The Christmas Party will be on 10 December

No Open Mic on 24 December.

Don't Miss the Rainey's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

21 November This Saturday

At Papa Joe's

Ashville Cover Charge $5

The Rainey's have to be seen to be believed, not only good music but good fun. Not since Adam was a boy have there been such talent.

If you do not say WOW after hearing them I will by you a pint.

Folk Iformation for Folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Telabration
Saturday 21 November

This is a fantastic event, if you have not been I suggest you give it a try. This event is one of those that make you smile and make you think, plus wonderful entertainment.

An International Evening of Storytelling For Grownups
7:30 By Storytellers of Central Ohio (SOCO)
At the Ohio Historical Center Auditorium
(Just off of I-71 on 17th Avenue (exit 111) Columbus, OH)
Info: Frank at (614) 268-0532 or http://www.socotales.org/

CFMS board meeting 24 November.
7:30 PM, Areopagitica Bookstore, 3510 N. High Street, Columbus, OH
(If you would like to be more active, or would just
like to see behind the scenes, come on out)

Message from Larry Staats

This is now off the ground and you can join in.

People:
A short time ago, I sent out an email about our new venture to spread the word with a Yahoo (Interest) Group. This is a web site where people with a shared interest can interact, get to know each other, and stay informed about the subject of their interest. A Yahoo Group gives you instant access to: (1) Shared message archives; (2) Photos and photo albums; (3) Event calendars; and (4) Member polls and shared links. Hopefully this Interest Group Web Site will allow CFMS members and other interested persons to communicate more easily.

Several people, fifty, have signed on to out Yahoo Interest Group. So, if you haven't, go to
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Columbus_Folk_Music_Society/
and click on "Join this Group". If you don't see messages coming in from the Columbus_Folk_Music_Society Yahoo Group right away, check your spam/junk folders and change your settings to allow email from " @yahoogroups.com " .

Larry Staats

Here is an interesting video.

http://www.amoeba.com/live-shows/videos/rodrigo-y-gabriela.html

Ashville Open Mic escapes another closure.

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:11:00 +0000

Ashville Open Mic escapes another closure.

Over the last four years Ashville Open Mic has seen six owners and three venues and with new owners at Papa Joe's we survive once again. We were told to expect structural alterations and new paint. The new owners are not new to the industry and plan big changes.

1960’s Coffeehouse To Benefit Food Pantries

If you have been before you do not have to be told how good this event is. I have lost count of how many times I have been and I will be there again this year. It is becoming a regular end of year meeting place for folkies. This is for a very good cause so turn up and have a good time plus helping people less fortunate then yourself.

Civil rights sit-ins. Bell-bottoms. Anti-war marches. Student Power. Afros. Mini-skirts. Hippies. Riots. Space flights. The generation gap.

Those hallmarks of the turbulent 1960’s will be rekindled Friday November 13 at this year’s annual “Spirit of the ‘60’s Coffeehouse”:

Friday November 13 7:30 p.m.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. in the church basement, but get there early for a good seat.

Bill Cohen will lead a candlelit, musical, year-by-year journey through the era, with live folksongs, “news reports” of sixties happenings, displays of anti-war buttons and posters, and far-out sixties fashions.

Bill will also challenge the audience with sixties trivia questions, and he’ll award prizes (with a 1960’s theme).

Proceeds from the suggested $10 donations will go to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Refreshments will be available at no extra charge. Free parking is also available in the lots just South and West of the church.

The program is suitable for ADULTS and MATURE TEENS.

It’s the 24th year of sixties coffeehouses for Bill. He’s performed the show more than a hundred times now at colleges, churches, synagogues, conferences, high schools, and middle schools across Ohio and beyond.

For more information, call Bill at (614) 263-3851. Or go to www.spiritofthe1960s.com

Tellabration Time is Here.
This is a fantastic event folks.

Be a friend. Bring a friend to Tellabration. We are back
at the Ohio Historical Center Auditorium, courtesy of
Melanie Pratt and the SOCO members who have
volunteered their time at OHS. We have an outstanding
slate of tellers. Adele Browne, Beverly Comer, Michael
Kasony-O'Malley: Veronica Fenney-Okafor, John
Gardiner, Greg & Natalie Wittmann, Anthony Gibbs and
Hank on music. The doors will open at 7:00 and the
stories will begin at 7:30 on Saturday, November 21,
2009.

John McCutcheon

John McCutcheon – A Fund Raiser For Buckeye Forest Council – November 15, 2009
“That’s my goal. If you can recognize yourself in my songs, then I’ve done my job.” –J. McCutcheon

If you missed the opportunity to hear John McCutcheon when he traveled with Holly Near last year for the Sing Out The Vote concerts you have another chance Sunday November 15th. He will perform in a concert benefitting Buckeye Forest Council, when his musical stories of hope will fill the evening in energizing ways that must be experienced in person.

McCutcheon’s songs sing of the nation’s heritage. His words channel the conscience of our people into streams of poetry and melody. He writes about subjects small and great, from a child’s haircut to freedom and human dignity – issues equally eternal and enduring. Think of McCutcheon as an incarnation of Pete Seeger and Mr. Rogers, Will Rogers and Bruce Springsteen, and above all Everyman, righteously passionate and impishly playful, blessed with gifts as a songwriter, historian, musician and storyteller that have won him international praise.

John McCutcheon has been described by the Washington Post as “folk music’s rustic renaissance man.” An award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, teacher, archivist, activist, author and poet, perhaps among his greatest gifts is to bring listeners together, including those who might not otherwise share common generational or political ground. “This notion of telling stories of ordinary people who have done great things, and carrying those stories from one place to another, of telling people ‘this is where I’ve been, these are the stories I can bring you,’ is the heart of what I do,” McCutcheon sums up. “That’s my goal. If you can recognize yourself in my songs, then I’ve done my job.”

Hear John’s music at: http://folkmusic.com/mp3s/

When:
Sunday November 15th
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30)
Ticket pricing: $20.00
Tax-deductible donations above this level will be gratefully accepted

Where:
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus
93 West Weisheimer
Columbus, OH 43214
Map link: http://www.firstuucolumbus.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=127

To Purchase tickets
Call David Maywhoor at 614-487-9290 (o), (614) 738-0100 (c) or e-mail:david@buckeyeforestcouncil.org

In the Athens area please call Heather Cantino at 740-594-3338

Columbus based Global Gallery a non-profit, volunteer operated, marketplace in the Short North that promotes fair-trade and cultural awareness has agreed to sell tickets for the John McCutcheon Concert through their stores. For addresses, hours and contact info see below.

http://www.globalgalleryonline.org/

682 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone/Fax: 614/621-1744
info@glblgllry.com
M-Th 11-6
Fri-Sat 11-8
Sun 1-5

148 Easton Town Center,
Columbus, Ohio
Phone: 614/478-8007
(on the first floor of Easton Station Mall)
M-Th 10-9
Fri-Sat 10-10
Sun 12-6

Clintonville
3535 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
Phone: 614/262-5535
Sun-Sat 7am-9pm

Hear John’s music at: http://folkmusic.com/mp3s/

Folk Blog Calendar.

The calendar will no longer be updated. I had two replies to my request as to should it be continued.

I will endeavour to put items on the main blog as they come in.

Don Pedi Plays UK

Virtuoso Dulcimer Musician Don Pedi Plays UK
Media Contact: Whitney Hale, (859) 257-1754, x229
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 3, 2009) − Virtuoso dulcimer player Don Pedi is the next artist to perform as part of "Appalachia in the Bluegrass," a concert series that explores traditional music in the Appalachian region. Pedi's free public concert is scheduled for noon Friday, Nov. 6, at the Niles Gallery, located in the University of Kentucky's Lucille C. Little Fine Arts Library and Learning Center.

Pedi, a native of Massachusetts, came from a musical family. His early musical influences included his grandfather, who played guitar, mandolin and banjo; an uncle, who was a professional singer and musician; and his father, another gifted singer. Pedi became involved with Boston's folk music scene in the early 1960s, but, it was a 1964 performance by Mimi and Richard Farina that would peak his interest in the dulcimer.

"The sound of the dulcimer proved most alluring," said Pedi, who, by 1968, was playing the dulcimer. Pedi counts traditional musicians Frank Proffitt, Doc Watson, Mississippi John Hurt and Almeda Riddle as influences on his musical taste.

A meeting with North Carolina musicians Tad Wright and Keith Zimmerman while living in Colorado in the early 1970s influenced Pedi to visit the musicians' home state. Once Pedi saw the North Carolina mountains, he has said he knew he found home. Pedi, who resides on a little farm in the mountains of Madison County, N.C., believes the area rich in traditional music and customs is where he belongs.

Considered a pioneer of the dulcimer, Pedi's music has broken new ground and cleared the path for other musicians. He is even credited by many with helping the dulcimer gain acceptance as an instrument suited for traditional Southern Dance music, as many old-time musicians felt the dulcimer was better suited as a piece of art hung on a wall.

Pedi's dulcimer playing earned him much recognition over the years. He won the first music contest he entered at Fiddler's Grove in North Carolina, as well as several that followed, which led to contest organizers declaring him a "Master Dulcimer Player" and removing him from future competition. He retired from competition with more than 30 first place awards. Pedi has also received a "Most Outstanding Performer" award at Asheville's Mountain Dance and Folk Festival and the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Award for "significant contributions" in Mountain Music.

Watch video of Don Pedi performing "Walk With Me" at the Cumberland Gap Dulcimer Gathering 2008 on YouTube.

The "Appalachia in the Bluegrass" concert series, presented by UK's John Jacob Niles Center for American Music, showcases a diverse selection of traditional musical expression. This series focuses on the many faces of indigenous American folk music, celebrating its roots in old-time music. All "Appalachia in the Bluegrass" concerts take place in the gallery of the Niles Center in the Little Fine Arts Library on UK's central campus. Niles Gallery concerts are scheduled on Fridays at noon and are free and open to the public.

Folk calendar help

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:07:00 +0000

Photo( Eric in reflection. Taken at the Espresso Yourself Cafe in Powell.)

Is the gig calendar working.

The calendar takes a lot of time to compile. I would like to find out if you regard it as useful and important to this blog. There are around 90 subscribers to this blog and it would be worth the effort to keep the calendar going if around 40 to 50 people used the calendar. It may be that you would prefer to see the gigs on the blog itself. To help me solve this could you please e mail me and say what your preferences are. John@AnEnglishmanAbroad.com or post a comment on the blog.
Photo(Dave Rainey. He can do better with a guitar then a cue.)

CFMS Coffee House 31 October

This is the place to be on the last Saturday of the month through the winter. Good company, good jam session and good guests. What could be better.

CFMS’S Folkside Coffeehouse
Areopagitica Bookstore
3510 North High St., Columbus, OH
7:00-8:00 pm, Jam Session, Socialize & Setup
8:00 - 9:00 Open Stage
9:00-11:00 pm Featured Performer(s)
Bob Sauls and Marian Funk

Join in the fun

Why not go along to the CFMS board meeting and sit in. Your skills would be welcome and you may find you want to be more involved.

CFMS Board Meeting
7:30 Areopagitica Bookstore
3510 N. High Street, Columbus, OH

Food and Music

If you want somewhere to eat on Friday then consider listening to Loosely Strung at the Cheshire market. This is a great little place where the food is home cooking and very good. Loosely Strung are not bad either. The fact that I get my bait there when I fish up that way has nothing to do with it.

Loosely Strung will be playing at the Cheshire Market, Bait Store & Pizza Place this Friday, October 30, from 7 - 10 p.m. You'll find it on the east side of Alum Creek Reservoir, at the intersection of Africa Rd. & Cheshire Rd. Be sure to observe the rule posted on the back door, "No bait buckets in restaurant."

If you have never heard Jackie's tongue-in-cheek jingle about the Cheshire Market, there's a line, "and if you shoot one, you can check your deer . . . Here!" That's not true; it is not a deer hunting check station. However, when I was passing by the market a few weeks ago, I saw a deer loaded onto a pick-up truck in the parking lot. Maybe people really do listen to what Jackie has to say?!?!? That's the scariest thing I could imagine for Halloween!

Hope to see you soon!
Dan

Do you think these work?

http://ibored.com/2009/05/coolest-guitars/

Free Piano/Song Concert with Bill Cohen

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Free Piano/Song Concert with Bill Cohen

Please join me Saturday October 24th at 7 p.m. as we welcome the new piano to the Areopagitica Book Store’s cozy “back room.” That’s at near Oakland Park.

To celebrate its arrival, I’ll play and sing some classic (not classical) piano tunes. So far, the eclectic song list includes tunes made famous by folks like the Eagles, Bette Midler, Harry Belafonte, Judy Garland, the Beatles, Dan Fogelburg, the Everly Brothers, and even Jiminy Cricket.

To keep the spotlight on the new piano, we’ll also play a bit of “piano trivia.” Light refreshments will be served, and we’ll have a couple of surprises for you. The evening will end by 9 p.m. so you can go out for that pizza you’ll probably be craving.

It’s a totally free concert, but we’ll have a tip jar out, in case you feel like contributing to what we think is a darn good cause: helping send my wife Randi to the Dominican Republic for 10 days of volunteering with the International Medical Alliance. As she did last December, Randi will once again be serving as an interpreter, helping a team of volunteer doctors, nurses, and medical students as they provide rare medical care to impoverished Spanish-speaking villagers.

And, back to that new piano. It’s a generous donation to the Columbus Folk Music Society from Ann Fisher and her family. Now that they no longer need it, the piano will be available to accompany the growing myriad of special events at the book store. They include poetry readings, the monthly Columbus Folk Music Society Coffeehouse, the regular Saturday night mini-concerts sponsored by book store owners Rebecca and Doug Rutledge, a newly-relocated Thursday night musical jam session, and even dramas and musicals put on by the new Columbus Civic Theater.

This is fun

Folk information for folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Marathon Music

Sunday is the Columbus marathon and CFMS will be there to help the runners along. For some years now the CFMS has supported the marathon by providing musicians to play for the runners. We have a slot open if anyone would like to take it. You can have a 30 to 45 minute spot and sing to your hearts content. Contact me for information.

Photo Mike Powers
Once again sound is being provided by Mike Powers, the master of the digital reverb. Performers include At Whits End, The Hollow Bodies and John Locke. We will be playing from 9am until 12pm. The location is below. Make sure you are there early because the roads will be blocked off.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=8dj&resnum=0&q=Campus+Loop+Rd+%26+Vernon+Tharp+Rd&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Campus+Loop+Rd+%26+Vernon+Tharp+St,+Columbus,+OH+43210&gl=us&ei=pv-_Sv-CNIKV8Aap4_GUCA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=image&resnum=1

Ken Parker Guitars

Here is an article on Ken Parker guitars. A very nice looking axe, but how does it sound. Anyone know? http://guitarless.com/2009/10/ken-parker-archtops/

Tellabration

If you want hear some of the best storytellers on Ohio, Tellabration is the place to be.

AN INTERNATIONAL EVENING OF
STORYTELLING FOR GROWNUPS
WILL BE HELD AT
THE OHIO HISTORICAL CENTER
AUDITORIUM
NOVEMBER 21, 2009
DOOR OPENS AT 7:00 PM
PERFORMANCES START AT 7:30
$7.00/adults, $5.00/seniors, students &
SOCO members; $4.00/under 12 years
For more Information please call:
Frank at (614) 268-0532
www.socotales.org
For this event, a grownup is considered someone who can
comprehend and appreciate a 90 minute concert of
diverse and entertaining stories
Storytellers of Central Ohio is a non-profit organization.
This program is presented in arrangement with the National Storytelling
Network

Give the Schomburgs a week and they will be doing this.

A message from Halfway Home

Time to fire up the ol' van and Brian's race car and head up to visit our friends at the Honky Tonk House in Streetsboro, Ohio this coming Saturday.

The genial host, Jay, and hostess, Tammy, are going to present Halfway Home at one of their Honky Tonk House Concerts on Sat. Oct. 17th, and you're invited !!! What's this HTHC thing all about? Well, picture a Super Bowl potluck party with lots of good food, cold beverages, and fun people - except instead of the ball game, you get a live music show instead - in Jay & Tammy's house.

There is an admission charge, the amount of which totally escapes me right now, and the cash collected goes to the band - now that's a noble cause if we ever heard of one. Actually it's $10 per person and since it's a potluck, you might want to bring some Doritos, Oreos, or a nice pie - we had cake last week.

We know we have some friends in northeastern Ohio, and here's a chance to see the band in a very intimate and casual atmosphere, and to meet some pretty hardcore music fans in the bargain. We played at the Honky Tonk House last year, and it was a very knowledgeable and receptive audience - and they still didn't ride us out of town on a rail.

The address is 1025 Montclair Drive - Streetsboro Oh. 44241. Last year we mapquested it and found the place on the first try, so you should give that a shot. The garage door opens at 7:00, and music starts at 8:00.

Hey, even if you live in Columbus, and missed us last weekend at the bookstore, gas up the car and come on up - we'll be glad to see your smilin' faces, and Jay and Tammy will treat you like long lost rich relatives.

Call 330-626-2961 to let them know you're coming, and to clear up any questions about directions.......this is going to be a real nice time !!!

Hope to see you soon,

Renilda, Patti, Pat, Brian, & Mike

HALFWAY HOME

Saturday 17 Oct at the Book Shop

A chance to hear the new songs that The Hard Tackers have been working on. If you want a good sing along they will be performing at 7pm. They will be followed by Second Wind a very good multi instrumental duo who are very good. They do some very nice interpretation of a good selection of songs.

Areopagitica Books
3510 N. High Street
Columbus
Ohio

Photo: The Hard Tackers

Winter folk music for Folkies

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Winter folk music for Folkies

As winter comes on we are not going to be short of music and storytelling. Let us try and do a cross pollination. Let the Music Folkies go to the up coming storytelling event Tellabration and the Storytellers go to a Folk Society Concert evening at the Bookshop. Everyone could then see how much in common we have and have a good time at each others event.

(Photo) Spot Yours Truly 25 years ago

Guitars Galore

If there is a guitar you have never seen a photo of and you would like to see what it looks like go here. http://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/ You could spend a lot of time and money in this place.

Spider Capo

When you have purchased that expensive guitar and you want to get technical here is the capo to do it. http://www.spidercapo.com/

So you think you are a drummer?

Try this http://www.themaninblue.com/experiment/JS-909/

A message from Halfway Home

Oh baby, it's cold outside - at least too cold to schedule live music performances after sundown. So, Doug and Rebecca at Areopagitica Books - located at 3510 N. High St in Clintonville - have graciously given our little band of wayward musicians a place to play this coming Saturday evening.

Halfway Home will be playing music in a real building with walls, doors and a roof. We've had a great time playing outdoor festivals and concerts for the past few months, but now it's time to put on our shoes and act like civilized people again. Can we pull this transformation off? Can we actually play without worrying about the threat of rain and wind?

Why not join us this coming Saturday evening at 7:00 pm and see for your own self if we can make it happen. Areopagitica has been one of our favorite places to play for the past couple of years, and we're happy to be asked back......apparently Doug and Rebecca have forgotten some previous manifestations of minor character flaws and/or judgment lapses exhibited by certain band members in public at their establishment. The good folks at Areopagitica have an amazing eclectic selection of books, so be sure to come early (or stay late) and buy a book or two.

Admission is free, but there will be a tip "container" prominently displayed where you can contribute to our continued delinquency. Please buy some books with a large denomination bill (say a $50 or a $100 bill) and then throw your change in the tip jar.

Here's the kicker - besides some pretty decent music, we have just been informed that there will be CAKE !!!!! That's getting to be sort of a tradition when we play at the bookstore, we always manage to bring a really big, and really good cake. Rebecca says the sugar buzz inspires the audience and is good for business. Truth is, we just like cake.

So pack up the kids and some friends and bring them out this coming Saturday evening for a really good time at Areopagitica Bookstore with Halfway Home, and a really big cake!!!!

See you soon,

Patti, Renilda, Pat. Mike & Brian

HALFWAY HOME

Message From Frank McGarvey

Storytelling Meeting
I am sorry but I am unable to put out the newsletter before the Meeting, which is this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. it is still at 10:30 in the Aeropegitca Bookstore, 3510 N. High, one and a half blocks north of East North Broadway.
It promises to be a great meeting. Come and tell about your experiences with graveyards, Ghosts, Haints and Spooks.

Frank Mcgarvey
Storyteller
Storytellers of Central Ohio
2780 Atwood Ter
Columbus Oh 43211-1170
(614) 268-0532
email: frankmcgarvey@sbcglobal.net
http://www.frankmcgarveystoryteller.com/

Be Scared to Death

I will be Storytelling on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 at Oakland Nursery Delaware from 12 pm until 3 pm come along for free food, hot drinks, pumpkin painting and music from Loosely Strung. I will lay down money that they will do The Battle of New Orleans when they see me walk down the path

Message from Larry Staats

Storytellers:

Saturday October 10th is the SOCO membership meeting at 10:30 AM and the Worthington Fall Festival on the SE Green in Old Worthington. Last year some of us went to the Fall Festival, in the afternoon, and told some stories and advertised SOCO. If you are able and willing to appear at the festival and do the same this year, let me know as soon as you can at the above email address. Thanks.

Here are some of the details, etc.:

1) Time: 1:30 until we're through;

2) Info: More information about the Fall Festival:
http://www.owba.net/fall_festival.htm
(This info is really for 2009 not 2008)

3) Parking: You may have to park two or three blocks away from the Village Green, so be prepared;

4) Outside: This is an outside event, so, if it is raining, there won't be anyone there;

5) Map & Picture: See the attached PDF files.

Thanks again.

Larry Staats

A Folk event ends and a Folk Event begins.

noreply@blogger.com (John Locke) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:11:00 +0000

A Folk Event ends and a Folk Event begins.

I managed to get to the jam session at the Worthington farmers market last Saturday. There was an excellent turn out, people everywhere and money going into the tip jar. Larry Staats has done a superb job with this jam session and he and the regulars deserve a pat on the back for there efforts. October 10th will be the last session for this year so get yourself along and have some fun.

(Photo) Roll your sleeves up and get ready for the winter events.

As the Worthington jam session comes to a close the CFMS concerts begin. I know there are a number of people signed up for this blog who are not members of CFMS (Columbus Folk Music Society) so I will explain.

Starting in September the CFMS have their monthly concerts. It is the last Saturday of the month and there is something for all of us.

7pm is the start of the jam session, 8pm is the open mic and at 9pm is the guest artist. If you have never been I would recommend you give it a try. Apart from good entertainment you get the chance to meet like minded people, chat and have fun.

Suggested entrance is $5 for non members and $4 for members. Refreshments are available and you get the chance to brows all the books.

(Photo) You never know who will be there.

This month

7:00-8:00 pm
Jam Session, Socialize & Setup
8:00 - 9:00
Open Stage
9:00-11:00 pm

Featured Performer(s)
Jerry Rockwell
Saturday September, 26, 2009

Areopagitica Books
3510 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43214

Tellabration is on the horizon.

Just a reminder that members of The Storytellers of Central Ohio have a chance to vote for the tellers at this years Tellabration. get your votes in folks.

With Halloween on the horizon there will be scary stories in abundance at various venues. Let me know where you are so that I can tell one and all.

(Photo) This scared me.

Birds Know Music

Try this for a wow moment.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2009/09/this-clip-is-proof-that-birds-are-secretly-composers/