(mandolins, ukeleles, guitars, accordions, melodicas?)

with Rebecca Ramirez, Adam Hilton, Jeff Luna and Aja McMillan, Anissa Bryant, Ralph White and other friends!

Let’s meet around 5pm, get out on the water and play some songs!

Sunrise and Sunset times in the month of May
Location to be announced very soon.

Kendra Steiner Editions gave a beautiful presentation at Salvage Vanguard Theater for their 6th anniversary. Read the Culture Map review here.

We also hosted a session of visual delights and sound at the Fusebox Festival hub with Ethan Frederick Greene and an ensemble including Little Stolen Moments and Stephen Fishman.

Our fundraising campaign is still rolling and we’ve just submitted our Cultural Contracts Funding application with great care and consideration for the bright gleaming future. Our hearts are on fire! Throw some fuel on our flames by contributing or purchasing your #NMASS2012 festival pass here on Kickstarter!

We have created a beautiful event for you - residents and possible visitors to Austin, TX - Four days of interesting sights and sounds taking place
Thursday, June 14th 2012 through Sunday, June 17th 2012.

We will continue to announce the line up and schedule on the website: www.nmassfest.org

If you would like to purchase your pass or support #NMASS2012 in the various entertaining ways we have imagined, you may do so via our fundraising campaign on Kickstarter

You may contact us with any questions at cotfg dot assistant at gee mail dot com

-All the Friendly Ghosts
Semper Phasma Phasmatis

KENDRA STEINER EDITIONS 6th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT!

KENDRA STEINER EDITIONS is a small press and small label operating out of San Antonio, Texas, run by poet Bill Shute. Founded in March 2006, KSE has issued over 210 poetry chapbooks and experimental-music cdr’s in our six years. This concert is a celebration of the forward-thinking music and literature KSE offers to the world from our base in central-south Texas. Headlining artist Ernesto Diaz-Infante, San Francisco-based musician and composer, will be in Texas promoting the release of his KSE solo bajo-sexto album EMILIO, which has been internationally acclaimed and broadcast, and will be doing both a solo experimental bajo-sexto set and a trio set with Austin avant-garde favorites Lisa Cameron and Lee Dockery.

Kendra Steiner Editions website
Kendra Steiner Editions on Facebook
Event posting on Facebook

Taylor Deupree & Marcus Fischer || two concerts, one evening ||
Sunday, 4/15/12

Advance tickets on sale at End of an Ear record store and online at brownpapertickets.com

Tickets for these concerts are available separately, or together.
Admission $15 for either the 8’clock [link] or the 9:15 [link]
Admission is $20 for both concerts, if purchased together.

Each concert features distinct material. These two concerts are not the same.

———The first concert begins at 8:———
Cory Allen performing “The Great Order “

-then-
Marcus Fischer + Taylor Deupree duo
~music based on processed music boxes

———The second concert to begins at 9:15:———
Rick Reed
-then-
Marcus Fischer +Taylor Deupree duo
~accompanied by visuals created from stills shot by Tayor & Marcus

Seasoned electronic composer and founder of the 12k label, Taylor Deupree joins Portland, Oregon based musician and multimedia artist Marcus Fischer to perform a duo of concerts at Salvage Vanguard Theater.

Using a “network of guitar pedals and instruments ranging from analog synthesizers to sticks collected while photographing” the two will be playing the sonic component of their music and photography collaboration released on 12k. Textural and quiet, their music feels like the exploration of a landscape. It is expansive, thoughtful and resplendent with tiny, fascinating details.

Additional visual creation throughout the night provided by Skye Ashbrook

A preview:
Taylor Deupree (from Shoals - 12k, 2010)
Marcus Fischer (from Monocoastal - 12k, 2010)
http://soundcloud.com/mapmap/cascadia-obscura
http://www.12k.com/index.php/site/artists/taylor_deupree/
http://www.12k.com/index.php/site/artists/marcus_fischer/

FB event link here
“Like” this on Do512

#COTFG12k

Salvage Vanguard Theatre

8 o’clock / 5ive buck$

“The End of the Broadcast” by Christopher Cole

A “listening fair,” and “aural hoopla” with four installation booths using radio transmissions, spectral analysis, microphones, speakers, and headphones. “The End of the Broadcast” celebrates bygone mass media days where one might say without hesitation: “I speak to you, but you may not speak to me.”

Alan Kahler is a lighthearted yet passionate fella always on the lookout for an elevated aesthetic. A designer, photographer, and sound wave manipulator, ENJOY TIME NOW is his mantra and his modus operandi for music.

fb event link here

Compositions by Steven Snowden and Ian Dicke performed by

Line Upon Line percussion
Bel Cuore Sax Quartet
Steve Parker and Molly Emerman
Kristin Hayes and Eric Peterson
Michael Hertel

Facebook link here

see you soon!

First up:

Friday, March 2nd, 2012, doors at 8pm

The show takes place at Up Collective, 2326 E. Cesar Chavez, 78702 (NOT Salvage Vanguard).

Special thanks to DOS EQUIS for providing one hundred free beers for our event! What?! Yeah!

CJ Boyd.9:30pm

CJ plays bass and sings, but that’s not a sufficient way to describe his music. Any time I’ve made an attempt to write about it, it just sounds silly. CJ is, in a word, soulful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bByo70B6UFs

Ralph White.8:30pm

The always haunting, always surprising multi instrumentalist has some new material for guitar to share, and several new recordings. His performances are usually stunning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEVa9cuFumM&feature=related

The Church of the Friendly Ghost series of concerts is made possible by community patrons, and through a partnership with Salvage Vanguard Theater. This project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division and by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

see event link on Facebook here

where: Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd.

what: three ensembles without regard for barriers of genre:

Good Field: 9pm
/will headline fresh off the release of their self-titled album. Led by veteran Austin musician Paul Price (Ramesh of Voxtrot, Brazos, Early Tapes), Good Field plays thoughtfully and carefully crafted rock songs that should help your imagination to more than a few touches of dreamy landscapes.

Nori: 8pm
/is a new project featuring: Akina Adderley, Bob Hoffnar, Erik Telford, Aaron Allen, and Andy Beaudoin. They will be exploring a wide range of music featuring compositions by Charlie Haden, Wayne Shorter, Boubacar Traore, and more (if that’s not enough!)

Bryan Hall & Frank Jenkins (beginning the evening): 7pm
/both virtuosic and forward-thinking classical musicians, will perform Maurice Ravelʼs Sonata for Violin and Cello. On a night that blurs the lines of musical genres, it is perhaps fitting to start with the impressionist sounds of Ravel…

8:30 pm See and hear an exhibition of unreleased, unperformed musical “ensemble” rarities - realized by the analog synthesizers, acoustic horns, and proper mutant percussive combination of a six piece band endorsed locally by the Tucker A&M Perry Foundation. Original compositions by Sayresam.

Featuring Allison Moore, Nick Hennies, Sarah Malika, Paul Millar, Sayre Vandelinder & guests

A contrast in mood, genre, style, and the melody of an electronic sandpaper replica is a bottom-line guarantee.

9:40 pm Hello Lovers are a highly original experience of music performance n Austin. While their sound might render music rooted in the Southern Blues and spiritual traditions, with jazz ensemble methods and a pop sensibility, their live presence simultaneously wraps you up in blankets of sensibilities while evolving a frame around their characteristic troop as an emotional art piece.

IT’S A DANCE PARTY! IT’S DANCE PARTY!
Disco punx, dirty guitars, motorick beats and the unga, unga, unga!
Seriously, there is no better combo for making like you’ve got ass in you pants.
So don’t make a mistake and miss this!  Feb 11th at the SVT is the place to be!

Forever Overhead (will start you up)
http://theforeveroverhead.bandcamp.com

Black Gum (will kick it over)
http://stickyblacktape.bandcamp.com

Rickey Jean Francois (will break it off)
http://rickeyjeanfrancois.bandcamp.com

DJ Boya (Adrian Cortez) will kick off the evening with some cosmic grooves and heat up the night in between sets with the finest selections in deep house, boogie, dance punk and more.

Beverages will be available for a donation but you can byob,
we’ll have shiny flashy things, surprises and you!

Dress to undress!
Click here to RSVP on Facebook

WHEN CAN I USE IT? ALWAYS ~ It never expires because it’s good for 13 Featured Performances whether in the 2012 season, 2013, or beyond! Use at your leisure, and share it with friends if you like!

WHERE DO I GET ONE? Purchase one right here, right now!
Either via Paypal or Brown Paper Tickets

WHY SHOULD I DO THAT?
The Season Pass value is 50% off regular admission prices!
BUT THERE’S MORE! Season Pass sales provide critical financial support for CotFG’s operations! CotFG will neither throw a fundraising event this year nor bug you with a Kickstarter campaign because CotFG is selling Season Passes! Season Pass sales provides the audience with an unbeatable value, while providing critical support for this cultural arts nonprofit! It’s a WIN/WIN! There are no tiers, no gimmicks, no swag, just direct value for your support. We’re keeping our overhead lean by focusing on doing what we do best, rather than expensive, resource-heavy, risky fundraising. We’ve been around for some years, but we’re still a scrappy grassroots group serving a need that isn’t universally acknowledged. There are no “big bucks” for us in the realms of philanthropy, grants, and awards…yet. Certifiable, documented community support is an essential step in approaching the growth of an organization like this. The season pass is a good method for establishing that support! Historically, there are mixed results with season passes, as with any method of underwriting arts nonprofit operations. Some even go so far as to say “The season pass thing….kiiiinda played out…” Well, we’re bringing it back. SEASON PASS!

Comedian Mario DiGiorgio (Comedy Central, Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival) will share the stage with accomplished musicians Derek Phelps on trumpet (Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears); drummer Andy Beaudoin (E.C.F.A.) and Joe Sokolic on upright bass (Hard Proof Afrobeat).

While integrating music and comedy is not entirely uncharted territory, we’re excited to hear the results of a 45-minute comedy act backed by three solid musicians. Kool kats and kittens welcome.

– click here to rsvp on facebook or invite your friends –

WHERE | Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd, Austin, TX

All attendees receive a free CD!

live drone, ambient, downtempo, and psychedelic music:

*early doors at 5PM for refreshments and hangin’ out!

Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Rd.

Church of the Friendly Ghost Featured Series 2012, Performance #1:

buy your tickets here!

MANI NEUMEIER /// ST37

CHURCH of the FRIENDLY GHOST’S 1st PRESENTATION in the 2012 FEATURED SERIES!

700 Jacob Green & Ensemble

730 |ST37| featuring guest Mani Neumeier on drums

one of the most outstanding and enduring psych-rock bands from Texas joined by Mani Neumeier!

830 |Mani Neumeier| solo percussion & duo with Jurgen Engler

Mani is the founder and drummer of revered Krautrock band, Guru-Guru. Jurgen Engler is an artist/multi-instrumentalist, founder of Die Krupps.

930 LARGE GROUP IMPROVISATION FUN!

klik the press stuff:

Badass Guru-Guru song on youtube, from their tough 1970 album, “UFO“

Guru-Guru Wikipedia entry

Mani Neumeier’s website, containing plenty of photos, press reviews, historical, and anecdotal information

Mani is a marvelous drummer and performer, something of a Krautrock legend that is loved and respected all across the globe. (He’s EVEN in a Japanese wax museum, in glorious Krautrock sonic barbarian regalia! You gotta take a look at this, third picture down: http://www.aural-innovations.com/issues/issue19/guruguru.html) More importantly, Mani is a dedicated, insatiable cultural adventurer of more than a few decades. You may expect virtuosity and absurd comedy from his tremendously energetic solo performance. Mani Neumeier is the only fixed point in the ever-changing Guru Guru band history, which has encompassed dozens of musicians. As such, his musical story is appropriately rich, complex, and every bit compelling as his performance. Keep in mind that the CotFG Featured Series performances on the SVT stage are intimate, so this is an opportunity not only to experience Mani Neumeier’s performance, but to engage with with the artists as well. Furthermore, you may definitely anticipate fun collaborative and improvised sets between Mani, members of ST37, and notable Austin musicians who will be there.

Aside from the brilliant performances on offer, the goal for New Year’s Day 2012 at Salvage Vanguard is fun!

We’re going to get started really early with light food and restorative beverages. So come on over as early as 5PM to hang out, nosh in the gallery, and work on that New Year’s Eve holdover!

Season Passes: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/212324

The CotFG Season Pass is the intended vehicle for a general, annual operating fund. Funding a nonprofit, outsider, community arts organization is always thorny question, efficiency a major concern. The most direct, efficient, streamlined way to fund CotFG is through community support. Church of the Friendly Ghost is asking you to complete the circle by unlocking this community support potential, today. The general fund established through Season Pass sales provides essential material support for the twelve Featured Series concerts in 2012, but it also supports the growth of all of our operations. We think the arts community in Austin wants and needs Church of the Friendly Ghost to grow. Picture yourself making this happen! We pledge to continue to provide a high quality, cutting-edge performance schedule of engaging programs and a community stage for years to come. Thank you.

SEASON PASS! $90.00 gets you a twelve-performance subscription to our Featured Series in 2012! It’s a great value, half off the door price if you were to pay admission for each of the twelve Featured Series performances individually! (Just to drop a little hint: one of the confirmed Featured Series shows is going to be worth the entire $90.00.) Yes, it’s a season pass, but it is really a way to give your support a function while giving you back something rewarding and valuable. It’s also a convenient way to transform your support into a swell gift! Chances are, you know someone who would be delighted to receive a CotFG Season Pass tucked inside a holiday card! Just sayin’…

Maybe the 2012 season’s performance subscription isn’t for you, but you still wish to donate?

Of course, every dollar will help! If you’d like to give $5.00, outstanding! If you’d like to contribute $200.00 or $1000.00 or even more, you are welcome to contribute in whatever way you are inclined to! Yes, it is tax deductible. Keep in mind that many employers have matching donation programs. Ask if yours does! Cash is definitely required for operations; there’s no way around that, however, if you want to lend your knowledge and skills as well, we have jobs for you to do! Please direct any questions to mailto:cotfg.assistant@gmail.com.

With 100% volunteer power, CotFG presents dozens of memorable, unconventional performances and events annually. The CotFG space, community, and stage foster developing young composers and musicians close to home. CotFG also presents a surprising string of beautiful performances from national and international talents, delivering with cheeky aplomb for eight years running. Take a quick look at the world of arts nonprofits in the last twenty years. Very many come and go in less time than CotFG has been around. We have no intention of slowing pace. The plan is to keep it up, and improve. That’s where you come in!

Intentionally functioning outside of industry and academia, CotFG is a sincere, passion-driven organization. We’ve built up in grassroots fashion since 2003, and we’re not about to go straight now. It’s time to level up, and provide this community with some real muscle! Take a look at the state of cultural arts in Austin right now. Let’s show this city what a happy arts community looks like!

Dropping twenties, tens, and fives on a weekend night out is easily done, let’s be honest. Consider that pleasant Sunday shopping trip the record store; a stop for tacos, and maybe on to the bookstore. Throw in a margarita and complete a pleasantly familiar afternoon, ninety dollars well spent! Now consider what ninety dollars spent on a CotFG season pass can really do. That money is extending far beyond an evening on the town, a coffee table conversation, or a living room hi-fi. Those dollars are an investment in a community eight years in the making, with a vision that extends into decades. We are asking you to redirect less than one hundred dollars of planned expenditure to, arguably, the most radical community music laboratory and performance series East of I-35. Try it, and watch dividends return with far greater value than the cash invested.

At present, the community of very interested audience members, participating artists, volunteers, and patrons is fairly tight. There are only about 250 of us involved with CotFG in one way or another, from occasional attendees, to core volunteers, to hard-sweating knob twisters. It’s a bit like an eccentric small-town high school. By and large, we all know each other. If each one of we 250 contribute as little as $80, once per year, the price of a bag of dog food and a tank of gas, we unlock the $20,000 required to run CotFG’s operations for a year! That kind of support would give us the freedom to provide a sensational concert and event series along with a community laboratory for music and intermedia arts absolutely free to the public. Free public programming is one of CotFG’s big dreams. With real community support, it is within reach. You may consider this project in much the same way one considers community radio; a community driven organization that in turn, serves community. Without real community support at this stage of development, CotFG will not fulfill goals set to serve the community it is designed for in years to come. Indeed, without real community support, there’s no need for CotFG to exist at all. Sure, CotFG is able to exist without community support, but why should it?

CotFG’s work has agency in our community. We all contribute to that agency, by bringing to it our experiences as artists and audience, and creating rich intersections between artist and audience. The very existence of CotFG in many ways influences work that is done in the larger cultural space citywide. No one imagines that CotFG exists independently from the world that surrounds it, and the people that move through it. Without community involvement, it is easy to see how meaning is lost, and the reasons to exist wink out in rapid succession.

This is the question: Should CotFG to continue, grow, flourish, and move into the future as an inspiring, valuable community organization and a real part of Austin’s culture, one where you are the catalyst and the beneficiary? A robust community response to this question is the clear answer. On the other side is non-response, which has an equally clear meaning: CotFG simply does not matter. Make no mistake; CotFG is absolutely able to continue on as it has for the past few years, with very little growth, change, or widespread community support. There are no barriers to prevent activity of that kind. Honestly though, what would be the point? Dear people, as you are well aware, life is far too fleeting to waste time continuing something that has already been repeated to a known outcome unless it’s sex or eating, and even then we’ve got to go on adventures. The core volunteers who run CotFG don’t ever get paid a dime to do it, and never have. What do you reckon keeps them motivated? The answer is passion, vision, and values for cultural community. CotFG has a vision for the future of cultural arts in Austin. Do you share it? If the vision simply isn’t shared beyond the two or three energetic and skilled people that really make it happen at CotFG, then frankly there are a few other things they should be doing. So, we’re asking you to let it be known, right now. Shall CotFG continue with community support, or should it quietly end?

CotFG has two strategies: One that extends to the ten year anniversary as an organization with roughly triple the resources available now, then, one that lays a plan for progression to the twenty year mark. Not only is this within reach, but a worthwhile effort that will bestow a meaningful and lasting gift on Austin’s cultural community. Passion and values will make it a reality. This is important work, more than quaint, kind, or sweet. There is disrespect for this work from the institution and industry adjacent to it and, in some ways, reliant on it. A response is required. Are you participating?

It is only in certain cities, at certain times in history that a truly fascinating nexus of culture can come about. In the last two decades, Austin has shown a clear willingness to be whatever its investors wish to transform it into. Consider the trends.

In closing, regardless of where your decision to support Church of the Friendly Ghost lies, forgetting CotFG entirely for the moment, please regard this as a general, open invitation for you to be a part something that is real, something that is beautiful and true. Take action, show up, be irreverent, and seize culture in Austin as your own. The odious force of bland consumerism is standing by, sucking its teeth.

With thanks,

Aaron Mace
George Pasterk
Henna Chou

Please direct any questions to mailto:cotfg.assistant@gmail.com