BREAKING NEWS! This month’s meeting will be held at the Jefferson Center as usual, NOT at Bob’s house. STORY ON SVSA PAGE 2. MUSIC NEWS JUNE 2018

JUNE Feature Article A Musician’s Mental Health: ASHLEY LUCAS A Conversation by Ashley Lucas we more, or less, in touch with In the past when I’ve written our emotions? Do we have to be the feature article for the newsletter, CRAZY to want to pursue a career I’ve focused on interesting song (or hobby) as a songwriter? All structures or SVSA-related topics joking aside, are we more likely – you know, light-hearted stuff. to suffer from depression and/or However, the recent suicides of anxiety because we’re creatives? And Avicii, Kate Spade, and Anthony what comes first: the depression or Bourdain are weighing heavy on my the music? mind. Honestly, I’m still reeling over A recent study conducted by the loss of Chris Cornell. And Kurt the University of Westminster Cobain. And Donny Hathaway. And investigated 2,211 musicians, 71.1% Elliot Smith. And Nick Drake. of whom said they suffered from What is it that makes musicians panic attacks or anxiety; 68.5% said so susceptible to succumbing to they had struggled with depression. suicide? Are we naturally more But does depression attract us to sensitive than non-musicians? Are See Feature Article, page 2

The next meeting of 7:30 and will last until provide at least 25 PAYING YER the SVSA will be held the last song critique is copies of the lyrics. DUES WedNESDAY JUNE 27 finished, or 10:30 p.m., Critiques are limited Pay at a meeting, pay in the LL Rice Room at whichever comes first. to members only on our website, or mail the Jefferson Center Members may submit but non-members $35 to: in Roanoke, Virginia. one song for critique (on and guests are SVSA Doors will open at cassette, CD, phone, encouraged to sit in on P.O. Box 698 7 p.m.; the meeting computer, or you can the discussions and begins promptly at perform it live) and should exercises. Salem, VA 24153 June monthly meeting to be held at Jefferson Center as usual Due to unforeseen circumstances (plus a forecast of sketchy weather) SVSA Board Member Bob Schmucker will NOT host the SVSA’s June monthly meeting at his house on Wednesday, June 27th. The meeting will be held in the LL Rice Room at the SVSAers Aspen and Alice Black are Jefferson Center in Roanoke VA as usual. As always, doors open wrapping up their midwest tour. See at 7:00 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. their busy schedule on page 14.

FEATURE ARTICLE Continued from page 1

“What IS it that makes musicians so susceptible to succumbing to suicide?” being a songwriter/musician? Or stress that comes with being an voice. He was in the middle of does being a songwriter/musician artist. a national tour. He was making make us depressed? Let’s think Alternatively, it’s been found vacation plans with his wife just about that. that a high proportion of people hours before his suicide. Maybe he It’s hard to be us sometimes. with existing depressive illnesses did have it all. We put a lot of ourselves into are drawn to working in the arts. Is Maybe that was the problem our craft, and most of – he had fulfilled all his the time we do that for goals, he was a very absolutely nothing. We YOUR STORY IS successful musician, are often told “no” – “No, IMPORTANT. he had family, he had we don’t want you to play fame, he had wealth, this gig.” “No, your song but perhaps despite all isn’t good enough to win that, he STILL wasn’t this competition or to get happy. I imagine it would cut.” be very hard to come Sometimes we to terms with the fact don’t get applause for a that you were unable performance. Sometimes to find contentment in people don’t even listen. We get internal chaos required to become “everything he ever dreamed of.” little if any pay and often must a truly great artist? If so, do we We’ll never know, but I sure wish fit music into a full-time work/ really want to stifle that creativity he had stayed. family schedule to maintain with medical treatment? The fear I wish they had all stayed. financial stability. and paranoia that comes with that And I wish you would stay. If you Also, it’s typical for question is pretty intense. are reading this, and you feel sad, performers to have a pre-show It’s easy to think that Chris please speak up. drink to shake the nerves. One Cornell (or any of the folks In the SVSA, we hold those drink can turn into ten relatively mentioned earlier) had it all. He had with sensitive souls in the highest quickly. Addiction is a common a large, loving family. He was a poet. regard. Our space is a safe space. way that creatives cope with the He had the most unique, powerful You are wanted here.

2 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 Coffee HouseOpen Series Mic talent performance contest still looking was fun for contestants for all The Smith Mountain Lake Arts Council presented an SVSA Songwriters Night as part of their The Bedford ongoing Coffee House Series on Bulletin June 8 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in gave over downtown Moneta VA. some serious Light fare, beer, and wine were newspaper available at the Cash Bar. space on May SVSA performers arrived at 31 to the SMAC 5:30 for a soundcheck. SVSAer (and / SVSA Coffee performer) Larry Sakayama set up House Series the PA and manned the controls for Songwriters the second set. There was uniform Night. appreciation for the fine sound of the program. SVSA Board Member Mike DeGiorgi was the liaison between SMAC and SVSA. Advance ticket sales were brisk and there was a large crowd on hand. All the performers appreciated the audience’s kind attention and enthusiastic support. Ten SVSA members performed, with Britt Mistele and Kathy Acosta vocally backing the second set group. First set songwriters were Mike DeGiorgi, Celie Holmes, Randy Williams, and Larry Sakayama. Stepping up for the second set were Mike Franke, Larry Helms, David Simpkins, and Greg Trafidlo. The SVSA is an affiliate member of SMAC and SMAC has a long history of support for the SVSA. This is the second straight year the SVSA has taken part in the SMAC Coffee House Series.

POST-GIG IMPRESSIONS • Larry Sakayama: “Thanks to all for putting on a great pretty eclectic two sets of songs. Thank you all for show. Everyone really enjoyed it.” participating.” • Celie Holmes: “I hope everyone had as much fun as I • Greg Trafidlo: “Thanks to Mike DeGiorgi for putting did!” it together. It’s no easy task. It’s always great to play to • Mike DeGiorgi: “Great show, peeps! I got lots of an audience that’s that quiet (except if they are slowly nice feedback from the crowd and we delivered a moving toward you).

3 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 FROM ESSAY TO SONG LYRIC

by Bill Stanton I reached back into my first life Moving right along: A few issues ago experience with recorded music and And suddenly there were I wrote an article came up with this: albums, concepts in the for the SVSA songs News entitled I do vaguely remember 78 RPM Themes that hung together – “Technology and Thick shiny vinyl … I was Sergeant Pepper, Blonde on Songs.” Basically, somewhere around 10 Blonde the article explored Nat King Cole and Patti Paige The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, the evolution of came into my life The British Invasion, Oh Yes technology and Way before rock and roll and I was very much in heaven its effects on the songwriting and adolescent strain and strife This music was the best recording industry. The second verse moves on to I traced the journey of a Hank my musical adolescence, rock and And then: Williams song called “A Tear in roll and 45 RPMs: My Beer” from its initial recorded Pretty soon cassettes took format on primitive canisters and And adolescence did arrive when over … they were everywhere how it was miraculously recovered 45’s hit the scene And then CDs would last from an attic in San Antonio moved Top 40 hits, Cousin Brucie, forever … oh yeah! to a studio in Nashville where Hank music hard and lean So what the hell is streaming? Williams Jr. recorded the song as a Elvis, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry ... I have no idea duet with his long-deceased dad. drove me nuts And why do I need iTunes? … The point I was trying to make American Bandstand everybody it all sounds kinda weird was how fragile the lives of an danced, couldn’t get enough The chorus ends it: incalculable number of songs can be The chorus echoes the theme of as technology continues to alter the Technology just rolls right the essay: landscape of the recording industry. along Interestingly enough, the writing of Technology just rolls right But what about the songs, this article actually triggered off the along baby … what about the writing of verses to a song that, it But what about the songs, songs? turns out, I am now working on. baby … what about the Actually this song is probably The working title of the song songs? a cry for help. Maybe my right now is What About The Songs? granddaughters can help me out. And, as I constructed the first verse,

4 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 Young song writers learn the craft by Ashley Lucas I was asked to do the songwriting workshop at Girls Rock Roanoke camp this year. The workshop was June 19. Girls Rock! Roanoke attendees work with volunteers on a songwriting We listened to one of their favorite exercise prompted by SVSA Vice President Ashley Lucas. songs and we talked about why they liked it. I emphasized the importance other words that are associated with They’ll continue working on their of critical listening when you’re a feelings. We then used some of those song throughout the week, and then songwriter and how it’s important to words to write a four-line chorus perform it at the finale showcase understand what you like and why so about feelings. It was amazing in front of parents, friends, you can incorporate it into your own how quickly the girls came up and public. writing. with the lyrics – and they even It was a fun time – the girls We went over song structure and rhymed. really do rock. the definition of each part. The girls then used the If you know of anyone Then, as a (very large) group, we same technique with their bands who wants to become involved co-wrote a chorus of a song. I asked formed earlier in the week, and wrote in Girls Rock Roanoke, please them what they wanted to write a song a chorus of their own. I asked them get with me or visit their website. about. The girls yelled out seven or so to try to develop a melody, and many They’re always in need of additional ideas, but we democratically decided of them accomplished the task in volunteers, for both camp and events. on “feelings” since it was the most the 15 minutes they were allotted. Men are welcome to volunteer non-specific. They had to work together as a band at various events, but the camp is run Then I used a “bullseye” and compromise. Then each band strictly, and awesomely, by women. technique to have them come up with performed it acapella on the stage. Girls Rock Roanoke!

SVSA Vice President Ashley Lucas (standing stage right), conducts a Girls Rock! Roanoke class on songwriting.

5 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 Meeting Notes Nineteen members and Eleven original songs one guest attended our were brought in for May monthly meeting. critique. The songs were Previous door-lock put through the standard problems were corrected, SVSA “wringer” – an so we were back in our open discussion of each old meeting room. song with comments, President Mike Franke, opinions, and suggestions. having recently returned Guests are welcome from attending SERFA, at our meetings. Come gave us an enthusiastic and sit through a meeting run-down of his hectic or two and see whether but inspirational or not the SVSA would time spent at one of be beneficial to your the premiere annual songwriting efforts. songwriting retreats. ~ David Simpkins

UPCOMING SVSA 3RD STREET SHOWCASES SVSA President Mike Franke announces that tentative dates have been set for three SVSA showcases on the 3rd Street Coffeehouse’s 2019 calendar. Past showcases have been extremely successful events, One of our favorite cowgirls, SVSA member Alice leading to more being scheduled. Here are the Black, won first place in the Youth division of the 2018 Richard Leigh Songwriting Contest with her tentative 2019 dates: Friday, March 29, Friday, July 12, original song, Town Of Bodie. Congratulations, Alice! and Friday, October 25.

Winners of the 2018 Richard Leigh Songwriting Contest gathered at Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon VA on Memorial Day weekend to display their winners’ certificates, including the SVSA’s own Alice Black (front row center in cowboy hat). Also pictured, left to right, are David Ledgerwood, Scott Miller, Jamen Denton, Melinda Davis, Mitch Townley, Alice, Scott Parker, Eric Marshall, Kasey Buchanan, Ron Wilhoit, and Emery Reid.

6 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 Club Havoc Good Times Tavern LOCAL, REGIONAL http://clubhavoc.net/author/jojohavoc https://m.facebook.com/ 202 Market Sq Roanoke VA goodtimestavern540/ OPEN MICS 540.343.6644 3107 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Eric 540-849-7407 Larsen. Open Mic / Jam Session Tuesdays. 7-10 p.m. Hosted by Melissa The Coffee Pot Mesko. http://thecoffeepotroanoke.com 2902 Brambleton Ave SW Roanoke VA Gospel Café 540.774.8256 https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Submit any Open Mics that are not listed Sundays. 5-9:00 p.m. Gospel-Cafe/392559714096332 here. We’d like to make this listing as Hosted by Al Coffey. 926 Indiana Ave NE Roanoke VA comprehensive as possible. Provide the 540.314.1423 information in the format shown. Dogtown Roadhouse Fri and Sat nights. 7-10 p.m. Also, if you should see a listing that has www.dogtownroadhouse.com shut down, or if you know of an update 302 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 LITTLE GREEN HIVE to the current entries, drop a line to the 540.745.6836 http://littlegreenhive.com/ SVSA gmail address. Let’s keep this a Sundays. All ages. No cover. Music 1600 Roanoke St Christiansburg VA vital and up-to-date source. starts at 6 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 5:30, 540.381.0909 sign-ups for later slots begin at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. 7-10:00 p.m. BILLY’S BARN PA and sound man provided. Hosted by Rick Krajnyak and Tim http://www.the-cellar.com/ Pakledinaz. 1790 Thompson Memorial Dr Salem VA DRAPER MERCANTILE & TRADING CO. 24153 http://www.drapermerc.com/open- MAIN STREET CAFÉ 540.728.0270 mic-night.html https://www.facebook.com/ Mondays. 7-10 p.m. Artists receive a 3054 Greenbriar Rd Draper VA 24324 mainstreetcafe434/ mixed mp3 and a chance at $500. 540.994.5659 521 N Main St South Boston VA Fridays. 6-8:30 p.m. All talents welcome. 434.738.3524 BLIND BILL’S RESTAURANT Will provide one mic, PA assistance. Thursdays. Open Mic / Open Jam 8:30 https://blindbills.com 20 minutes for musical acts, 10 for all p.m.-12:30 a.m. Bring your instrument 6724 White House Rd Huddleston VA others. Must be family friendly and not and jam! Or just sit and eat, drink, 540.297.6078 too loud/disruptive. dance, and listen to good music. No Fridays. 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Steve cover charge. Hosted by Mike Warren. Guidus. 5 Points Music Sanctuary http://www.5pointsmusic.com/ The Mill Iron Grill B-Sides 1217 Maple Ave SW Roanoke VA https://www.facebook.com/The-Mill- https://bsides33.com/ 540.795.5618 Iron-Grill-114614645259055/ 467 Franklin St Rocky Mount VA 1st and 3rd Sundays. Doors open at 5:00 10190 Stewartsville Rd Goodview VA 540.456.2337 p.m. Sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. Show 540.890.4766 Tuesdays 7-10:00 p.m. Hosted by Dilly starts at 6:00 p.m. Comedy and poetry Saturdays 8-midnight Valley Recordings are welcome. This event is FREE. All levels of talent welcome. Hosted by Rick Selfridge. THE CELLAR FLOYD COUNTRY STORE http://www.the-cellar.com/ http://www.floydcountrystore.com/ Mulligan’s 302 N Main St Blacksburg VA 24060 music/sunday-music-jam http://mulligansbarandgrill.info/ 540.953.0651 206 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 6419 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA Mondays. 9:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Blues 540.745.4563 540.265.7484 jam. Sundays. All ages. No cover charge. Mondays. 8-11 p.m. Hosted by Phil Old-Time music 1:30-3:30 p.m. Chitwood. CHARLEY’S Bluegrass jam 4-5:30 p.m. http://www.charleyslynchburg.com/ 707 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg VA THE FRONT ROW 434.237.5988 https://www.facebook.com/ More Open Mic listings 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month. 7:00- thefrontrowsalemave/ on page 8 10:00 p.m. Bring your instrument and 356 Salem Ave Roanoke VA vocal talent! $5 food discount to the 540.345.1542 first 10 people to sign in. Hosted by Thursdays. 8:00 p.m. Bring your own Jodie Davis. instruments. Come rock the house.

7 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 RISING SILO BREWERY STARR HILL PILOT BREWERY & LOCAL, REGIONAL www.RisingSiloBrewery.com SIDE STAGE 2351 Glade Rd Blacksburg VA https://starrhill.com/tap-room- OPEN MICS 410.596.1200 locations/roanoke-pilot-brewery- Monthly Irish Jam. Fridays, 7-9:00 side-stage/ p.m. Sit-ins welcome. Bring your 6 Old Whitmore Ave Roanoke VA instrument, your open ears, and your 540.685.2012 tapping toes. Tips encouraged for Mondays. 6-9:00 p.m. Bring your own musicians, no cover. instrument and join the jam. Hosted by Brian Mesko. RIVER CITY GRILL Continued from page 7 https://www.facebook.com/ STONEY BADGER TAVERN Radford-Fiddle-and-Banjo- http://www.stoneybadgertavern. Ober Brewing Company Jam-191719767524461/ com/ http://www.oberbrewing.com/ 103 Third St. Radford VA 24141 3009 Old Forest Rd Lynchburg VA 1443 Lakeside Cir Salem VA 540.629.2130 434.384.3004 540.404.0050 Mondays. 7-10:00 p.m. Radford Fiddle Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. What Fridays 6-9:30 p.m. & Banjo bluegrass jam. Hosted by started as an idea has become a Bring your friends, show your talent, Chris Bell. community of artists that help each share some laughs and a few beers. other learn and grow on stage. Roanoke Diversity Center Parkway Brewery http://www.roanokediversitycenter. SWEET DONKEY COFFEE HOUSE http://www.parkwaybrewing.com com http://www.sweetdonkeycoffee.com/ 739 Kessler Mill Rd Salem VA 806 Jamison Ave SE Roanoke VA 2108 Broadway Ave SW Roanoke VA 540.404.9810 540.491.4165 540.491.0004 Mondays 4-8:00 p.m. 1st Fridays. Play an instrument, sing Every other Friday (check web site for Majestic Mic jamboree welcomes a song, read a poem, sing karaoke, announcement). 6-9:00 p.m. Hosted anyone to try their hand at music. or just enjoy. No cover. Snacks by Charissa Morrison. Bring your Hosted by Eric Larsen. provided. Small PA, two guitars, instrument or bring your friends. keyboard available – or bring your THE Q OPEN MiC own instruments (no drums but Sycamore Deli http://www.theqlive.com smaller percussion instruments http://www.sycamoredeli.com 8118 Plantation Rd Roanoke VA allowed). 211B Draper Rd Blacksburg VA 540.362.8437 540.951.9817 Wednesdays 8:30 p.m. - ? ROCK THE MIC - ROANOKE Blacksburg Old-Time Jam. 15 minute set. PA provided. Hosted by http://www.kingdomofrock.com/ Wednesdays 7-9:00 p.m. Open to Scott Joshway. Rosetti’s Family Bistro anyone playing Old-Time style. 202 Market St Roanoke VA RADFORD COFFEE COMPANY Wednesdays and Fridays. Killer sound, 3rd street coffeehouse https://www.facebook.com/ lights, merchandise table, sponsor https://m.facebook.com/3rd-Street- radfordcoffeeco/?hc_ giveaways. Loud rock and blues Coffeehouse-190361914329993 ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf improv, covers, and shows. Trinity United Methodist Church 333 W Main St Radford VA 305 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke 540.838.2399 Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers 540.309.4707 Saturdays. 6-9:00 p.m. Acoustic, rock, http://www.soaringridge.com/ poetry, etc. Small PA available. 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle. 523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke VA 6:30-9:00 p.m. Smoke-free, alcohol- 540.339.9776 free, no cover. Hosted by Jim Page. Fridays 6-9:00 p.m. Take the stage and 3rd Thursday Open Mic. 6:30-9:00 p.m. share your sound, or just sit back and Smoke-free, alcohol-free, no cover. “The best cheer on the locals who share theirs. Hosted by Aspen Black. way to get Hosted by Betsy in The Verse. WHITE HART CAFÉ SOUVLAKI approval is to http://www.thewhitehartcoffee.com/ http://www.eatsouvlaki.com/ 1208 Main St Lynchburg VA 1154 E Main St Radford VA not need it.” 434.207.5600 540.633.0555 Fridays. 6-9:00 p.m. We will provide a ~ Hugh MacLeod Wednesdays 6-8:00 p.m. Open to all. mic and you provide the talent. Open for all music, art, comedy, etc.

8 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 HOMEWARD BOUND: Paul Simon is leaving the road

by Greg Trafidlo material, touching on three songs Rene and Georgette Magritte With Judy and I, plus nearly 22,000 from 2011 So Beautiful Or So What Their Dog After The War from his other fans, had the good fortune to as well as the whimsical Wristband 1983 album Hearts And Bones. catch a performance of Paul Simon’s from the 2016 release Stranger To Questions for the Angels, dedicated Farewell Tour at the Greensboro Stranger. to environmentalist and biodiversity Coliseum on June 19. Simon spares nothing when it specialist E.O. Wilson, featured Now 76, Simon played 26 comes to assembling a support crew. lyrics that rank with the best Simon songs across two and a half hours, Thirteen musicians accompanied has ever written: “If an empty train reminding us why he became known him, from string players to in a railway station / Calls you to as one of the great songwriters of woodwinds and horns to drums its destination / Can you choose the 20th century. From the early and percussion to African bass and another track?” folk-rock standards of his 1960s guitar virtuosos. Joel Guzman on A two-part encore included Simon & Garfunkel days, to the accordion really added musical many of the songs the audience was street-smart poetic grooves of his sparks on a handful of songs. Any most eager to hear. The first encore 1970s solo departure, to his rhythmic one of them could on a great show included Graceland, Still Crazy world-pop explorations in the 1980s, on their own. After All These Years, and Late In Simon has been a constant creative The show truly represented the Evening. Homeward Bound, The force, ever shifting but almost always the breadth and scope of Simon’s Boxer, Kodachrome, and finally The interesting. songwriting styles. I’ve always Sound Of Silence, delivered as a solo He touched on plenty of appreciated his use of African, acoustic to close the show. hits, opening with the Simon & South American, Puerto Rican, and His introduction to Bridge Over Garfunkel gem America before Jamaican grooves that influenced Troubled Waters in the final encore hitting 1970s highlights such as his writing. They represent many of was intriguing. He said he hardly Mother and Child Reunion and Me the neighborhoods he would walk ever played it and was happy to just and Julio Down By the Schoolyard. through in New York, picking up let others do it. But now he likes His 1986 landmark Graceland and musical ideas. coming back to it and include it in 1990s Rhythm of the Saints both got The six members of yMusic, a his show. The audience sang along plenty of attention; the set included pop-classical outfit from New York with pride and reverence. nine songs from those two records, that are part of the band on this Simon has been far too prolific including You Can Call Me Al and tour, formed a chamber-music core across 50-plus years to include all the The Obvious Child. during a brief, but splendid mid-set. high points. If you’d always wanted He also performed more recent It included Simon’s impressionistic See Homeward Bound, page 10

9 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 HOMEWARD BOUND Continued from page 9 to hear him play I Am a His fans, including Rock or Mrs. Robinson or me, will surely miss him. My Little Town, you may Hopefully, we’ll see and never get that chance. hear from him again (even The show was if he no longer tours). inspiring, affirming, For those of you melancholy and a reality who want to learn more check for me. For over 50 about Paul Simon, read years I enjoyed his work, “Homeward Bound” by feebly tried to play it, and Peter Ames Carlin. waited anxiously to hear All his lyrics are what the next direction his available on his website: music would take. http://paulsimon.com Simon recently said, “I like the idea of not Set list for Greensboro knowing what I’ll do concert: https://www. next.” He did admit that setlist.fm/setlist/paul- he will continue to write simon/2018/greensboro- some music and play coliseum-greensboro-nc- again. 43eae357.htm Folk trio releases 25th anniversary CD Married couples celebrate anniversaries – why not folk trios? Trifolkal, made up of SVSAer Greg Trafidlo and former SVSAers Laura Pole and Neal Phillips, has released a new CD in honor of their 25 years together, their silver anniversary. The CD consists of fan favorites; it’s the trio’s “thanks for listening” treat. The tunes run the covers gamut from the Beach Boys to the Sons of the Pioneers to Harry Chapin and more. The package was designed by SVSAer Kathy Acosta. Long-time friend Muriel Anderson says it best: “Trifolkal always plays with an innate joy.”

10 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 OUT & ABOUT WITHSVSA THE

Retired Master Chief Musician Jerry Gilmore, a former member of the U.S. Navy Band’s Country Current, performs at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria VA on May 19. Country Current, the Navy’s premier country/ bluegrass ensemble, presented a special concert featuring band alumni to celebrate its 45th anniversary. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Musician Adam Grimm.)

SVSAer Greg Trafidlo (right) jams with Maurice Dickson, from Belfast Ireland, following Dickson’s house concert at Marian and Dan McConnell’s residence on June 16th. Dickson was the headliner at 3rd Street Coffeehouse the night before.

11 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 OUT & WITHABOUT THE

SVSA

SVSAers David Bowen and Jerry Gilmore perform as Acoustic Reset at Whitebarrel Winery last June in Christiansburg VA. (Photo by Marsha Bowen.)

Divers experiments with on-line SVSA meeting Charlie Divers is looking to start up an on-line streaming SVSA meeting to augment the regular monthly song critiques. It’s still in the experimental stages and group interest is yet to be determined. This could be an excellent means for those who can’t make the regular meeting “in person” to take part in regular SVSA activities. Charlie reports that he, Mike Franke, and Bob Schmucker had a good test run via Zoom on June 5. Charlie says, “After a little initial confusion, we got it figured out. Mike got his cellphone to work and then he switched to a laptop. Bob logged in later with a laptop and there were no issues at all. They both did a quick run through on guitar and the sound was fine, so we’re good for live performances.” SVSA Board member For those who don’t want to perform, songs and lyrics Bob Schmucker has could be posted in the SVSA Google group. Songs would been spending some then have to be converted from a WAV file to an mp3 or time in the Windy zip file. MP3 conversion is really easy to do in iTunes. City lately. Here he is There are lots of videos on YouTube on how to do both taking advantage of conversions. a Chicago street pub’s open mic night. Charlie would like to limit the meetings to six people in order to keep the meeting to an hour at most. Keep an eye out for future announcements of trial runs.

12 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 3rd Street Coffeehouse FIRST THURSDAY Guitar Pull / Song Circle THIRD THURSDAY Open Mic SVSA member Aspen Black notes that the “Third Thursdays at Third Street All Open Mic” is a great way to share work, try out new songs or poems, offer CDs and merch for DATE FEATURE ACT...... OPENING ACT sale, and hang out with folks who Jun 29 Jim Crawford...... Bob Schmucker share your interests. The next “Third May 5 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle...... n/a Thursdays at Third Street all Open May 6 Steve & Wanda Langston...... TBA Mic” will be on July 19th. Sign May 13 Shawn Byrne...... TBA up begins at 6:30 and ends when May 19 3rd Thursday All Open Mic...... n/a the list is full (15). Beyond 15 will May 20 Kim Person & Lana Puckett...... Greg Trafidlo immediately go into the lottery for May 27 Bob Schmucker & Bennet Dixon...... none remaining slots at the end. Length of performance is determined by the number of participants. All levels of SVSA member proficiency and styles are welcome, “Professor” Bill Stanton so long as your songs are appropriate is a frequent for all audiences. performer at 3rd St Coffeehouse. Here 3rd Street Coffeehouse also holds he is last February. a “First Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle” from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hosted by Jim Page, performers can bring new material or play cover songs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to sign up. Performers will get to play two or three songs in an in-the-round setting. The next “First Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle” will be held July 5th.

3rd Street Coffeehouse, venue. A hat is passed for donations 3rd Street Coffeehouse is established in 1987, is open every to the featured performers. located at Trinity United Methodist Friday evening. Opening act If you’re interested in opening a Church at 305 Mountain Ave. SW, performances last from 7:30-8:30 show or headlining a night at 3rd Roanoke, VA. p.m.; feature performer from 8:30- Street Coffeehouse, contact Josh More info can be found online 10:00 p.m. 3rd Street is a smoke- Jones at 540-761-1351 or email at www.roanoke.com Events free, alcohol-free, no-cover-charge [email protected]. Calendar and on Facebook.

13 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 SVSA Performing Members’ Upcoming Gigs

June 25, Lake View Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive MARC BASKIND Concert, 3:00 p.m., Lake View, IA Fridays & Saturdays, The Greenbrier main dining room, with June 26, Ida Grove Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive the Walter Scott Trio, 7:00-10:00 p.m., White Sulphur Springs Concert, 10:30 a.m., Ida Grove, IA WVA June 26, Denison Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive Sunday Evenings, Luigi’s, background solo, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Concert, 2:00 p.m., Denison, IA 3301 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke VA June 27, Ogden Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive June 29, India Garden Restaurant, solo, 6:00-8:30 p.m., 210 Concert, 10:00 a.m., Ogden, IA Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg VA June 27, Readlyn Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive July 21, Hotel Roanoke, Regency Room, with Dave Ferguson Concert, 3:00 p.m., Readlyn, IA Trio, 6:30-9:30 p.m., 110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke VA June 28, Marion Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive July 27, Pete Dye’s River Course, solo, 6:00-8:30 p.m., 8400 Concert, 1:00 p.m., Marion, IA River Course Dr, Radford VA July 1, Private Party, Friendship Assisted Living, 2:00 p.m., Roanoke, VA July 6, Franklin County Main Library, Main Branch, Western DAVID SIMPKINS Spirit Concert Program, 11:00 a.m., Rocky Mount VA July 7, Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons (8th Anniversary Show) with Britt Mistele, Greg Trafidlo, and Kathy Acosta, noon-1:30 p.m., 206 S Locust St, Floyd VA Aug 4, Steppin’ Out with Nina Acosta, Mary Acosta, Greg Trafidlo, Kathy Acosta, and Britt Mistele. 12:15-1:15 p.m., Acoustic Stage, downtown Blacksburg VA Aug 25, Vinton Farmers Market with Britt Mistele, David Simpkins, Mike Franke, Marc Baskind, and Kathy Acosta, 204 W Lee Ave, Vinton VA

GREG TRAFIDLO July 7, Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons (8th Anniversary Show) with Britt Mistele, David Simpkins, and Kathy Acosta, noon-1:30 p.m., 206 S Locust St, Floyd VA Aug 4, Steppin’ Out with David Simpkins, Nina Acosta, Mary Acosta, Kathy Acosta, and Britt Mistele. 12:15-1:15 p.m., Acoustic Stage, downtown Blacksburg VA Aug 20, 3rd Street Coffeehouse opening and playing with Kim Person and Lana Puckett, 7:30-10:00 p.m., 305 Mountain Ave SW, Roanoke, VA Aug 25, Vinton Farmers Market with Britt Mistele, David Simpkins, Mike Franke, Marc Baskind, and Kathy Acosta, 204 W Lee Ave, Vinton VA Aug 26, Coopers Cove picnic and song circle, noon-1:30 p.m., 206 S Locust St, Floyd VA

From Aspen Black: “Alice and I are in week two of our ASPEN & ALICE BLACK summer tour. We’ve played everything from meeting June 25, Early Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive rooms to city halls, community centers, and large Concert, 10:30 a.m., Early, IA gymnasium so far. Good attendance everywhere. This is June 25, Wall Lake Public Library, Singing Cowgirls Interactive from our concert at the Tiffin-Seneca Library in Tiffin OH Concert, 1:00 p.m., Wall Lake, IA last week.”

14 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 Songwriting Contests, Workshops, etc.

Song Contest Open For Entries Now in its 28th year, The DSA 2018 Song Contest is one of the longest running international song contests for amateur songwriters. Offering over $5,000 in cash and prizes this year, the DSA has EIGHT categories in all. Accepting Submissions 6/11/18 through 9/30/2018. Pick your category and enter today! Click here for more info about this contest: http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/ Songwriting Competition The Music City SongStar Awards is a songwriting competition open to songwriters worldwide. Deadline is June 30. Open to all genres. Top four finalists will perform their original song at a premier Nashville venue. Winner will be awarded $5,000 in cash. Other prizes to 25 semi- finalists. More info at https://musiccitysongstar.com/

SVSA members June 2018 Kathy Acosta Josh Jones David Barudin Ashley Lucas Marc Baskind Elizabeth McCauley Alice Black Britt Mistele Aspen Black Eric Mosley David Bowen Jake Orzalli Steve Clark Mollye Otis Sam Darby Charles (Jack) Page Frank Dieter Mike Pearrell Charlie Divers Larry Sakayama Paul Douglas Bob Schmucker Mike Franke Denise Schmucker Jerry Gilmore David Simpkins Egan Green Jeff Smith Mary Gordon Hall Bill Stanton Dale Hamilton Greg Trafidlo Anderson hosts annual event George Harris Randolph Walker We all remember Muriel Anderson’s superb house Dan Hildebrand Tony Wegmann concert (sponsored by the SVSA) in October of 2016. This Celie Holmes Randy Williams year, Tommy Emmanuel, Jack Pearson, and Thom Bresh will be among the great players at Muriel’s All Star Guitar Bob Coulter (In Memoriam) Night on Saturday, June 30 in Nashville TN. The festivities Sid Crosswhite (Lifetime) begin at 5:00 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley Streets. For more info, http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/

15 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 LINKS OF INTEREST TO SONGWRITERS JIMMY BRUNO: AN INTRO TO LEARNING CHORDS HOW MANY FB LIKES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE MONEY? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONOXGHc5qrs&fea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0pclbYoXOE&feat ture=youtu.be ure=youtu.be HOW TO USE PINTEREST FOR MUSICIANS THE EARLY HISTORY OF RECORDED SOUND https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-use- http://acousticguitar.com/guitar-on-record-the-early- pinterest-for-musicians/ history-of-recorded-sound-and-acoustic-instruments/ WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TEACH YOURSELF GUITAR? HARNESSING THE POWER OF SUS CHORDS (VIDEO) https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/what-is-the- http://acousticguitar.com/video-lesson-harnessing-the- best-way-to-teach-yourself-guitar/ power-of-sus-chords/ SHOULD YOU JOIN A MUSICIANS’ UNION? https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/what-are- musicians-unions-should-you-join-one/ PREPARE, RELEASE, PROMOTE, SELL YOUR MUSIC SVSA Classifieds https://www.discmakers.com/request/music- Percussionist Wanted release-101.asp SVSA members Randy Walker and Josh ALL ABOUT GUITAR NOTATION Jones have formed a new band, the http://acousticguitar.com/between-the-lines-all-about- guitar-notation/ Living Ingrates, and are looking for a percussionist. Randy and Josh sing and BEAT, METER, AND MORE — LEARN RHYTHM play guitar. Monty Cox sings lead and http://acousticguitar.com/video-lesson-beats-meters- and-more/ plays keyboard. Marc Silva plays bass. The group practices on Sunday afternoons PLANNING YOUR NEXT ALBUM: A - Z https://www.discmakers.com/request/special_ and at this point is playing mostly 60s and planningyouralbum-email.asp 70s covers (Beatles, Eagles, Who). The group is mostly for fun although there FIVE ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR BUSKING GUITARISTS http://acousticguitar.com/5-essential-tips-for-busking- may be some short duration gigs (i.e. no guitarists/ more than 45 minutes). Contact Randy at HOW TO GET MUSIC GIGS AT RESTAURANTS [email protected] https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-get- music-gigs-at-restaurants/ GUITAR FOR SALE HOW TO BOOK GIGS AS A SOLO OR BAND Alvarez Yairi 6-string guitar. Spruce top, rare https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-book- Hawaiian Koa back and sides. Gloss finish and gigs-for-yourself-as-an-independent-solo-artist-or- band/ in great shape. K&K Pure Mini pick-up system. Comes with a hard shell case. $550.00 Call PERFECT INTONATION AND OTHER MYTHS Britt Mistele 540-745-6771. https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/27287-jol- dantzigs-esoterica-electrica-perfect-intonation-and- other-myths SVSA Music News free RHYMING MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN A SONG classifieds may be submitted http://songwritingpro.com/2018/05/20/2ruin/ by paid members only. All HOW HARD IS IT TO PLAY THE BANJO? classifieds must be music- http://blog.deeringbanjos.com/how-hard-is-it-to-learn- related. to-play-the-banjo

16 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

crossing over time marc with a “c” long story short eyes on the water

carved in song folk singular co-writers in disguise old dog, new tracks

David Bowen (Acoustic Reset) Greg Trafidlo Crossing over time — Featuring folk-pop Carved in Song— Most songs co-written tunes. Eight originals and eight covers accented with some of Greg’s favorite songwriters. by solid guitar licks and accompanying Listen to audio clips at gregtrafidlo.com. instruments. Available at acousticreset.com. folk singular— Greg’s third solo CD Marc Baskind reflects the diversity of his songwriting and production skills. With SVSA-ers on marc with a “c”— Sampler CD of covers background vocals, and Marc Baskind on and original songs offers a taste of the varied guitar and vocals. styles of this accomplished guitarist/singer. Co-Writers in Disguise — Contemporary David Simpkins folk/country with an emphasis on well-crafted lyrics and humor. With a number of SVSA Long Story Short — Offers 12 original members appearing on the CD. Americana tunes blending rock, folk, blues, and country. Old Dog – New Tracks — Songs that range from silly to sublime, drawing you in with The Panini Brothers warmth, wit, and humor. Songs include “I Got Stuck Behind Buford,” “Time is a Mountain,” Eyes on the water — Debut CD from a and “The Tumbler.” Buy it from CD Baby or group comprised of SVSA members Larry contact Greg at [email protected]. Sakayama and Mike DeGiorgi as well as Chip Conway, Mark Earnhardt, and Scott Thomas. Jazzy, bluesey, eclectic, original tunes.

17 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

the crawlspace tapes silver winkin’ tao from the mountain

pacing the moon cup of contradictions dimestore detective dog joggin’

Greg Trafidlo Mike Pearrell THE CRAWLSPACE TAPES — Greg’s newest cup of contradictions — 13 original CD is a compilation of all his funny and songs. Lots of SVSA musicians singing and goofy stuff. Tom Paxton says, “Loosen up, playing. sourpusses. Greg is on the loose again!” dimestore detective — Mike’s first solo CD features 14 original songs. Produced by Trifolkal Greg Trafidlo; with a number of guest SVSA SILVER — The trio celebrates 25 years musicians. Available at Mike’s shows. together with a “fan favorite” collection of covers from the Beach Boys to Tom Paxton Steve Clark winkin’ — This top-notch release from that DOG JOGGIN’ — Eleven sweet and true “trio fiercely dedicated to fun” tempers the amusing tunes comprise this quirky singer/ fun with poignancy and heart. songwriter CD. Available at cdbaby.com. Tao from the Mountain — Tight harmonies, warmth, and witty songwriting from Laura Pole, Greg Trafidlo & Neal Phillips. “The only art I’ll ever Josh Jones study is stuff that I Pacing the Moon — Thirteen of the can steal from.” strongest songs Josh has written. For lyrics, - David Bowie short audio clips and additional information, please visit www.jonesgroupmusic.com.

18 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

tales from the road eastern western from the heart of a horsegirl poet cowgirl cowgirl

lovin’ the west my life gumbo style

Aspen Black Jimmie Landry Tales From the Road — 15 original poems MY LIFE — Jimmie sings stories about his with musical backup. Every poem has a tie to friends, family, and life on the road. A jazzy- a road, although the road is never the subject. blues New Orleans-style piano and vocals Either the road runs through it, shows up in paint a picture of 60 years in music. a fleeting moment, or the whole story was inspired by, or witnessed “on the road.” GUMBO — Hot and spicy down-home jazz, funk, and soul that goes down easy. Ten Eastern Western Cowgirl — Eight originals and three covers. original Contemporary Western songs. Available at CDBaby.com/aspenblack7. STYLE — A blend of standards and one original in a variety of grooves like straight-ahead from the heart of a cowgirl — swing, samba, jazz, waltz, and funky second- Original spoken word poems adhering to the line blues. Western Music Association guidelines for the cowboy poetry genre. Available at CDBaby. horsegirl poet — Songs and poems about horses, cowboys, and rural life. Available at “Those who do not want CDBaby. to imitate anything, LOVIN’ THE WEST — This is the latest CD released by Western Music Association singer/ produce nothing.” songwriter – and SVSA member – Aspen Black. ~ Salvador Dalí It features 10 original selections, seven of which are road-tested favorites.

19 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 SVSA Members’ Recordings

eagle rock session what’s done is done Randy Williams EAGLE ROCK SESSION — Americana compositions with imaginative lyrics delivered in a unique and soulful voice.

Mike Franke Evelyn and Dennis Danner are active in just about any kind of musical activity you can name. They’re frequent what’s done is done — A debut release of performers, members of the SVSA, attendees at various 14 original folk and blues tunes about everyday ukulele workshops and festivals, and members of life and interesting people featuring Mike’s performing groups. fingerstyle and slide guitar.

There’s a lot to do BEFORE the show starts – and here’s last year’s Smith Mountain Arts Council Coffee House Series stage to prove it. For two years in a row, the SVSA’s Larry Sakayama, together with some valuable helpers, has made it so that the performers could enjoy the show just as much as the audience. Thanks, Larry! (Photo by – you guessed it – Larry Sakayama.)

20 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018 SVSA DISCLAIMER About Classifieds: The ideas and opinions contained SVSA Music News free classifieds may be submitted in this newsletter are intended by paid members only. All classifieds must be music- to be helpful to songwriters. The related. Members, e-mail your classifieds to svsa. companies and organizations [email protected]. mentioned are believed to be legitimate; however, SVSA does not endorse any products or services and About articles and other written offers no guaranteed success based contributions: on the content. SVSA members write feature articles for the SVSA We are always looking for articles Music News throughout the year. Members can about SVSA members and articles submit other articles and features at any time. Non- of interest to the songwriting members may also submit articles and other written community. Email articles and contributions but their inclusion will be subject to time information to the Editor, David and space constraints. All articles may be edited for Simpkins, at svsa.songwriters@ space considerations and will be edited, as time allows, gmail.com. SVSA is a non-profit for spelling and grammar. E-mail submissions to svsa. organization. [email protected]. SVSA Board Members: About Announcements: Mike Franke – President Ashley Lucas - Vice President SVSA members may list music-related announcements in the SVSA Music News. E-mail them to svsa. David Simpkins – Secretary and [email protected] by the second Tuesday of Newsletter Editor the month. Announcements from members will be Frank Dieter – Treasurer e-mailed to members as soon as they are received and, Bob Schmucker - At-Large Board if still timely, published in an upcoming issue of the Member SVSA Music News. Announcements from non-members Mike DeGiorgi - At-Large Board Member will be held for publication in an upcoming issue of the Dennis Danner - At-Large Board Member SVSA Music News. Larry Helms - At-Large Board Member

About Members’ Gig Listings: SVSA members may submit their upcoming performance schedules for publication in the SVSA Music News. The submissions will be printed as submitted; the more information you provide, the SVSA more likely the response. P.O. Box 698 Salem, VA 24153 www.svsasongs.com

21 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | JUNE 2018