SVSA MUSIC NEWS APRIL 2019

APRIL FeATURE Article To begin, begin And remember: It ain’t over ’til it’s over by Ed Bell you worry you’ll never be good William Wordsworth said it enough, keep going even though best: “To begin, begin.” you worry you’ll never be good And, if I may, I’d like to enough. expand on his pithy philosophy. To turn off your brain long To begin, begin. enough to let go and create a first To continue, continue. draft full of imperfections, turn To finish a song, finish a song. off your brain long enough to let To write something new, write go and create a first draft full of something new. imperfections. To write in a different genre, To improve your first draft write in a different genre. even though rewriting is even To learn something new about more painful than writing in the songwriting, learn something new first place, improve your first draft about songwriting. even though rewriting is even more To keep going even though it’s painful than writing in the first hard, keep going even though it’s place. hard. To rewrite that bridge for the ED BELL To keep going even though See Feature Article, page 4

DUES BE DUE BE The next meeting of 7:30 and will last until provide at least 25 DUE BE DUE the SVSA will be held the last song critique is copies of the lyrics. Pay at a meeting, pay WedNESDAY APR 24 finished, or 10:30 p.m., Critiques are limited on our website, or mail in the LL Rice Room at whichever comes first. to members only $35 to: the Jefferson Center Members may submit but non-members SVSA in Roanoke, Virginia. one song for critique (on and guests are 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 Salem, VA 24153 begins promptly at perform it live) and should exercises. SVSA Co-Writing Workshop set for May 18 by Mike DeGiorgi 305 Mountain Ave SW, involvement. Hope you can make SVSA members Roanoke VA. Please see the outline it! We are limiting the are cordially invited to Although parts of below. It will probably audience to 14, so please attend a workshop on the workshop will be be tweaked a bit between contact me via email to co-writing on Saturday, facilitated by SVSA now and the workshop reserve your spot. If we May 18. The workshop members, most of it will date, but this should give can’t fill up with SVSA will be held at 3rd involve a lot of partner you a feel for what we members, we’ll open up Street Coffeehouse, participation and group want to try and do. to non members. SVSA: Co-Writing Workshop Agenda Cost to Participants - Free songwriting experiences with unique “what you Maximum Number of Participants - 14 bring to the co-writing table” skills. (20 minutes) Time - 1:00-6:00 p.m. Partner Assignments - Partners will be randomly assigned in order to keep it open and avoid Date - Saturday, May 18 competition for the same partners. Names will be Location - 3rd Street Coffeehouse, 305 Mountain Ave drawn from a hat, two at a time. (5 minutes) SW, Roanoke VA Creativity Sparks - Two or three quick exercises to Intended Audience - SVSA members. Will be open to prompt partner teams (20 minutes) non-members if workshop doesn’t fill up. Framework for Song Creation - A process where Workshop Facilitators - Mike Franke, Mike DeGiorgi, different baskets will contain different topics. E.g. Greg Trafidlo. A basket full of titles or hook lines, a basket full of Participants will leave with.... song forms, a basket full of genres / styles, a basket - An understanding of the major forms, benefits and full of different emotions, a basket full of chord “watch outs” of co-writing progressions) participants draw from each basket to - Tools for stimulating creativity and idea generation start their song. - A framework for developing a song with a co-writing Work Session - Partners work together on their tunes. partner (120 minutes) Outline Coming Together - large group reconvenes and Welcome and Opening. (5 minutes) partner teams report back. What’s working / not working? Any aha’s? Any actual tunes nearing Interactive Panel Discussion - Different shapes of completion? (90 minutes) co-writing, rules of the road, bringing out the best in each other, questions from participants. (30-40 Wrap Up minutes) Group Dinner - Pizza in, or group dinner out when Ice-Breaker - An activity to contrast common done.

Meeting Notes President Mike DeGiorgi announced that the annual Susan Twenty-one members and one announced that the SVSA would B. Komen Benefit Show would be guest attended our March meeting. hold a Co-Writing Workshop in held at 3rd Street Coffeehouse on The group was reminded of the mid-May at 3rd Street Coffeehouse. Sunday, April 7. SVSA member upcoming deadline for the Virginia Attendance was encourage for Celie Holmes was scheduled to Highlands Community College the SVSA Songwriters Showcase at open. song contest and that the SVSA 3rd Street Coffeehouse coming up Seven original songs were would have an advertisement in the on Friday, March 29. vetted. contest brochure. Board Member Bob Schmucker ~ Bill Stanton

2 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 A Spirit of Coopetition by Mike DeGiorgi example of among songwriters. Co-writing is One of the things I miss as I corporate perhaps the best example of this. get older is hard core competition speak. It In general, I’ve been struck by ... a crossover dribble and beating felt odd at the generosity and sharing among somebody to the basket ... an “in first, but was musicians and songwriters. You your face” jumper to end a game ... satisfying in see it regularly during our meetings catching someone with 50 yards to a different and in communications between go, to win a race. I don’t care what kind of way. meetings. the sport was, or whether I was Being in a band involves a lot We have an up coming even particularly good at it. I just of coopetition. workshop on co-writing (May liked to win and I miss that kind of There is competition in 18). So far, 10 SVSA members intensity. songwriting. I suspect most of it have signed up to participate in As an aging musician/ is internal. Can I write something what will be another example of songwriter, I’ve had to replace that better than my last disaster? coopetition. (There are still some high with a new one: Coopetition. Will my latest tune be worthy of open seats.) It’s a term I first learned in praise from my peers? Can it be It’s also encouraging that business. You compete against one of the better tunes shared at the Richard Leigh Songwriting other professionals for promotions, a meeting? Can I win a writing Contest has multiple entries from a new jobs, winning proposals. contest? whole passel of SVSA members. There’s that familiar high that These questions have more Sure, I’d like to win something. comes from distancing yourself drama as you go up the musical But if I don’t, that’s okay, too. It’s from your competitors. food chain. Can I get my song great that we all feed our interest in Sometimes though, you needed ahead of someone else who’s writing. to team up with competitors in trying to get in front of an artist? But, occasional competition order to win a bigger prize. So Are these tunes good enough to puts a different kind of edge on it. consultants from competing firms sell an audience or music buying Hopefully it ups everyone’s game! would occasionally team up to public? Good luck to everyone! May the win large projects. The term Mostly though, it seems there best rhymes win! (and choruses, “Coopetition” emerged as a new is more of a spirit of coopetition hooks, bridges....)

The most recent SVSA Showcase held at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA was a big success. See

PHOTO BY ADONNA L E MON BY PHOTO a whole bunch of photos on pages 10 and 11.

3 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 SVSA Treasurer Mike Franke was the headline act at 3rd Street Coffeehouse this past Friday night, April 19. Mike, a favorite of the coffeehouse patrons, put on a superb show. Here he is being introduced by SVSA Board Member Bob Schmucker, who often handles the MC chores at the coffeehouse. (Photo by Judy Larson.)

FEATURE ARTICLE Continued from page 1

seventh time on the off-chance potential co-writer or venue or this rewrite will be the one that manager even though they might Ed Bell has written songs cracks it, rewrite that bridge for say no, reach out to that potential for Oriental DreamWorks, the seventh time on the off- co-writer or venue or manager even wrote the bestselling book chance this rewrite will be the though they might say no. The Art of Songwriting, and one that cracks it. To keep moving forward even has worked on over 100 To write ten songs so you though it sometimes feels like different creative projects have enough material to choose it’s taking forever, keep moving around the world. the four best for your first EP, forward even though it sometimes Bell also created a web write ten songs so you have feels like it’s taking forever. site called The Song Foundry. enough material to choose the To get better at songwriting: For more info, see https:// four best for your first EP. keep going. thesongfoundry.com To reach out to that Keep going.

4 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 TOP-TEN FINALISTS IN LOCAL LYRICS CONTEST — SVSA members Alice and Aspen Black are top-ten finalists in this year’s Lynchburg Lyrics Contest. Alice is in the running for The Town of Bodie and Aspen for Nothin’ But the Wind. The pair perform in the final round contest this coming Friday, April 26. There is a People’s Choice award in addition to the judging, so up-front-and-personal support from the SVSA would be appreciated. (The performer with the most tickets in their jar wins the People’s Choice award.) For more info, see www.lynchburgparksandrec. com Above, Alice (left) and Aspen performed in Albuquerque NM last November just prior to the start of the most recent International Western Music Association convention. (Photo courtesy of Lee Peters.)

CLARK RUNS CHALLENGING MARATHON — SVSAer Steve Clark participated in the 10th annual running of the Blue Ridge Half Marathon in Roanoke VA on April 13. Steve placed 408th out of 897 (239th out of 398 males). His time was 2 hr/31 m/8 s. Steve says that he was just happy to finish and that he was “barely ambulatory” after the finish. The marathon includes two mountain climbs plus numerous smaller hills. The runners follow an out-and-back loop course that starts and finishes in downtown Roanoke and features towering (and oh-so-challenging) hills through the city’s Mill Mountain Park.

5 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 Jimi Hendrix: One With The Sky by Randolph I wonder, in that moment, Drifting, which seems to expand Walker whether Jimi had a premonition in the mind like a pebble-dropped I recently that he too would burn out, and ring in a pond. saw the new whether he knew The haunting Jimi Hendrix how very, very soon cover art, created film “Electric it would happen. by Nancy Reiner, Church,” In the last few one of his showcasing months of his life, girlfriends, is of Hendrix’s Hendrix was at the a piece with the performance height of his creative album. Using kinky at the Atlanta powers. His most black hair as the Pop Festival in 1970. amazing work was artistic medium, Hendrix went on around done not on stage, she portrays a midnight of July 4-5. Toward the where his wild-man mournful Jimi end of his set, the Fourth of July antics made him gazing down from fireworks show started. Hendrix a top concert draw, but in the the sky, with blue sky and clouds of course could not stop to watch. studio, where he was creating the visible through his face and head. But there is a moment – the haunting and moody multi-tracked Less than three months later, cameraman just happened to be in recordings that would become the Hendrix was dead in a London the right place to catch it – where posthumous “Cry of Love” album. apartment, a victim of his he looks up, and a multicolored The tracks succeed as stand-alone excessive lifestyle. At that moment starburst explodes in the sky songs, as multilevel audio textures, he became one with the sky. behind him, burning itself to and as a song cycle. Look up at the clouds today. cinders in a blaze of glory. My personal favorite might be Listen. You can still hear him.

A personal P.S. to all artists: Feel the pain. Feel the joy. The pain will not kill you. It will not stop you from creating. Create.

County Sales record store re-opens in Floyd VA by Andrew Small County Sales record store, long a fixture in Floyd VA as a primary source of mainstream and obscure country, old-time, and bluegrass recordings, has re- opened for business after an absence of many years. In addition, it has moved its warehouse location on Talley’s Alley up to the “main street,” to 117 South Locust Street. The new location will serve as a warehouse to collect and ship recordings all around the world while providing better retail access and extended hours for customers. The location is across from the Floyd Country Store. With FCS owner Dylan Locke as the new owner of County Sales, there are many complimentary activities developing between the two organizations. The Floyd Country Store and County Sales are major venues on the Crooked Road. A Grand Opening event was held April 11-13.

6 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 Club Havoc Thursdays. 8:00 p.m. Bring your own LOCAL, REGIONAL http://clubhavoc.net/author/jojohavoc instruments. Come rock the house. 202 Market Sq Roanoke VA OPEN MICS 540.343.6644 GINA’S Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Eric https://www.facebook.com/ Larsen. pages/Ginas-Food-with- Flavor/435558020265249 Dogtown Roadhouse 4145 B W Main St Salem VA www.dogtownroadhouse.com 540.404.3867 302 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 Fridays. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Hosted by 540.745.6836 McFadden and Holmes. Performers Submit any Open Mics that are not listed Sundays. All ages. No cover. Music eat free. Musicians contact Peggy at here. We’d like to make this listing as starts at 6 p.m. Sign-ups begin at 5:30, Gina’s. comprehensive as possible. Provide the sign-ups for later slots begin at 7 p.m. information in the format shown. PA and sound man provided. Good Times Tavern Also, if you should see a listing that has https://m.facebook.com/ shut down, or if you know of an update DRAPER MERCANTILE & TRADING CO. goodtimestavern540/ to the current entries, drop a line to the http://www.drapermerc.com/open- 3107 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA SVSA gmail address. Let’s keep this a mic-night.html 540.849.7407 vital and up-to-date source. 3054 Greenbriar Rd Draper VA 24324 Open Mic / Jam Session 540.994.5659 Tuesdays. 7-10 p.m. Hosted by Melissa BILLY’S BARN Fridays. 6-8:30 p.m. All talents welcome. Mesko. http://www.the-cellar.com/ Will provide one mic, PA assistance. 1790 Thompson Memorial Dr Salem VA 20 minutes for musical acts, 10 for all Gospel Café 24153 others. Must be family friendly and not https://www.facebook.com/pages/ 540.728.0270 too loud/disruptive. Gospel-Cafe/392559714096332 Mondays. 7-10 p.m. Artists receive a 926 Indiana Ave NE Roanoke VA mixed mp3 and a chance at $500. DUE SOUTH BBQ 540.314.1423 www.duesouthbbq.com Fri and Sat nights. 7-10 p.m. BLIND BILL’S RESTAURANT 1465 Roanoke St Christiansburg VA https://blindbills.com 540.381.2922 MAIN STREET CAFÉ 6724 White House Rd Huddleston VA Wednesdays. 6-10:00 p.m. In the Pig https://www.facebook.com/ 540.297.6078 Pen. Hosted by Rick Krajnyak and Tim mainstreetcafe434/ Fridays. 8:00 p.m. Hosted by Steve Pakledinaz. 521 N Main St South Boston VA Guidus. 434.738.3524 5 Points Music Sanctuary Thursdays. Open Mic / Open Jam 8:30 B-Sides http://www.5pointsmusic.com/ p.m.-12:30 a.m. Bring your instrument https://bsides33.com/ 1217 Maple Ave SW Roanoke VA and jam! Or just sit and eat, drink, 467 Franklin St Rocky Mount VA 540.795.5618 dance, and listen to good music. No 540.456.2337 1st and 3rd Sundays. Doors open at 5:00 cover charge. Hosted by Mike Warren. Tuesdays 7-10:00 p.m. Hosted by Dilly p.m. Sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. Show Valley Recordings. starts at 6:00 p.m. Comedy and poetry MELODY HOOKAH LOUNGE are welcome. This event is FREE. https://www.facebook.com/Melody- THE CELLAR Hookah-Lounge-1834216276875768/ http://www.the-cellar.com/ FLOYD COUNTRY STORE 109 N Main St Blacksburg VA 302 N Main St Blacksburg VA 24060 http://www.floydcountrystore.com/ 540.739.3377 540.953.0651 music/sunday-music-jam Sundays. 9-??:00 p.m. Mondays. 9:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Blues 206 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 Musicians, singers, comedians, artists, jam. 540.745.4563 rappers, bands. Sundays. All ages. No cover charge. CHARLEY’S Old-Time music 1:30-3:30 p.m. The Mill Iron Grill http://www.charleyslynchburg.com/ Bluegrass jam 4-5:30 p.m. https://www.facebook.com/The-Mill- 707 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg VA Iron-Grill-114614645259055/ 434.237.5988 THE FRONT ROW 10190 Stewartsville Rd Goodview VA 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month. 7:00- https://www.facebook.com/ 540.890.4766 10:00 p.m. Bring your instrument and thefrontrowsalemave/ Saturdays 8-midnight vocal talent! $5 food discount to the 356 Salem Ave Roanoke VA first 10 people to sign in. Hosted by 540.345.1542 More Open Mic Jodie Davis. listings on page 8

7 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 RIVER CITY GRILL STARR HILL PILOT BREWERY & LOCAL, REGIONAL https://www.facebook.com/ SIDE STAGE Radford-Fiddle-and-Banjo- https://starrhill.com/tap-room- OPEN MICS Jam-191719767524461/ locations/roanoke-pilot-brewery- 103 Third St. Radford VA 24141 side-stage/ Continued from page 7 540.629.2130 6 Old Whitmore Ave Roanoke VA All levels of talent welcome. Hosted by Mondays. 7-10:00 p.m. Radford Fiddle 540.685.2012 Rick Selfridge. & Banjo bluegrass jam. Hosted by Mondays. 6-9:00 p.m. Bring your own Chris Bell. instrument and join the jam. Hosted Mulligan’s by Brian Mesko. http://mulligansbarandgrill.info/ Roanoke Diversity Center 6419 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA http://www.roanokediversitycenter. STONEY BADGER TAVERN 540.265.7484 com http://www.stoneybadgertavern. Mondays. 8-11 p.m. Hosted by Phil 806 Jamison Ave SE Roanoke VA com/ Chitwood. 540.491.4165 3009 Old Forest Rd Lynchburg VA 1st Fridays. Play an instrument, sing 434.384.3004 Ober Brewing Company a song, read a poem, sing karaoke, Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. What http://www.oberbrewing.com/ or just enjoy. No cover. Snacks started as an idea has become a 1443 Lakeside Cir Salem VA provided. Small PA, two guitars, community of artists that help each 540.404.0050 keyboard available – or bring your other learn and grow on stage. Fridays 6-9:30 p.m. own instruments (no drums but Bring your friends, show your talent, smaller percussion instruments SWEET DONKEY COFFEE HOUSE share some laughs and a few beers. allowed). http://www.sweetdonkeycoffee.com/ 2108 Broadway Ave SW Roanoke VA Parkway Brewery ROCK THE MIC - ROANOKE 540.491.0004 http://www.parkwaybrewing.com http://www.kingdomofrock.com/ Every other Friday (check web site for 739 Kessler Mill Rd Salem VA Rosetti’s Family Bistro announcement). 6-9:00 p.m. Hosted 540.404.9810 202 Market St Roanoke VA by Charissa Morrison. Bring your Mondays 4-8:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Killer sound, instrument or bring your friends. Majestic Mic jamboree welcomes lights, merchandise table, sponsor anyone to try their hand at music. giveaways. Loud rock and blues Sycamore Deli Hosted by Eric Larsen. improv, covers, and shows. http://www.sycamoredeli.com 211B Draper Rd Blacksburg VA THE Q OPEN MiC Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers 540.951.9817 http://www.theqlive.com http://www.soaringridge.com/ Blacksburg Old-Time Jam. 8118 Plantation Rd Roanoke VA 523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke VA Wednesdays 7-9:00 p.m. Open to 540.362.8437 540.339.9776 anyone playing Old-Time style. Wednesdays 8:30 p.m. - ? Fridays 6-9:00 p.m. Take the stage and 15 minute set. PA provided. Hosted by share your sound, or just sit back and 3rd street coffeehouse Scott Joshway. cheer on the locals who share theirs. https://m.facebook.com/3rd-Street- Hosted by Betsy in The Verse. Coffeehouse-190361914329993 RADFORD COFFEE COMPANY Trinity United Methodist Church https://www.facebook.com/ SOUVLAKI 305 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke radfordcoffeeco/?hc_ http://www.eatsouvlaki.com/ 540.309.4707 ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf 1154 E Main St Radford VA 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle. 333 W Main St Radford VA 540.633.0555 6:30-9:00 p.m. Smoke-free, alcohol- 540.838.2399 Wednesdays 6-8:00 p.m. Open to all. free, no cover. Hosted by Jim Page. Saturdays. 6-9:00 p.m. Acoustic, rock, 3rd Thursday Open Mic. 6:30-9:00 p.m. SPIKE’S GRILL poetry, etc. Small PA available. Smoke-free, alcohol-free, no cover. https://m.facebook.com/spikes.grill/ Hosted by Aspen Black. RISING SILO BREWERY 1914 Memorial Ave SW Roanoke VA 540.345.9744 www.RisingSiloBrewery.com WHITE HART CAFÉ Thursdays 9:30-close. A welcoming 2351 Glade Rd Blacksburg VA http://www.thewhitehartcoffee.com/ community of musicians from first 410.596.1200 1208 Main St Lynchburg VA timers to old timers. Come out to Monthly Irish Jam. Fridays, 7-9:00 434.207.5600 listen, come out to play, come out to p.m. Sit-ins welcome. Bring your Fridays. 6-9:00 p.m. We will provide a show support for local music. instrument, your open ears, and your mic and you provide the talent. Open tapping toes. Tips encouraged for for all music, art, comedy, etc. musicians, no cover.

8 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 SVSA members April 2019 Kathy Acosta David Barudin Marc Baskind Alice Black Aspen Black Clay Blevins Steve Clark Dennis Danner Evelyn Danner Sam Darby Frank Dieter Mike DeGiorgi Charlie Divers Paul Douglas Mike Franke Jerry Gilmore Egan Green Mary Gordon Hall Dale Hamilton George Harris Larry Helms Dan Hildebrand Celie Holmes Matt Horner Josh Jones Jimmie Landry Ashley Lucas Liz McAuley Britt Mistele Paul Morrissey Eric Mosley Jake Orzalli Mollye Otis Panini Brothers add extra show Charles (Jack) Page With the Panini Brothers May 3 show nearly selling out, Mike Pearrell the Smith Mountain Arts Council has scheduled another show Russ Pennavaria the following night, Saturday, May 4. (See the poster for ticket Larry Sakayama information.) SVSAers Larry Sakayama and Mike DeGiorgi are Bob Schmucker members of the band. Denise Schmucker As you can see from the poster, Ken Hitchcock and Sue Halloran David Simpkins will be joining the Paninis as guest stars. Jeff Smith Bill Stanton Hitchcock is a sax, flute, and clarinet player, who has performed Greg Trafidlo with BB King, Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, and a Randolph Walker host of other superstars. Tony Wegmann Halloran is a founding member of String of Pearls, a NYC vocal Bob Coulter (In Memoriam) trio. She will be singing several of our original songs and a few of Sid Crosswhite (Lifetime) her own.

9 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 Latest SVSA Showcase was a grand success

Note from SVSA President Mike DeGiorgi: David Simpkins & the KGB kicked off the evening. I want to thank all the performers for a great show. From left, Kathy Acosta, Greg Trafidlo, Britt Mistele, There was a nice balance of songs and styles. I heard and David. a lot of positive feedback from attendees. I saw some new faces in the audience, so that’s always At right, Celie Holmes good, too. I also want to thank Britt Mistele for capos up and gets ready running the soundboard and for adding his vocals to deliver one of her along with Kathy Acosta. And Bob Schmucker newer originals. Below, deserves thanks, as always, for making the Celie looks on as Evelyn coffeehouse such a great place for us all to gather and Dennis Danner and have a chance to showcase our original tunes. perform.

10 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 ALL PHOTOS BY ADONNA LEMON Big crowd witnesses latest SVSA Showcase At left, second-set performers take the stage. From left, Bill Stanton, Kathy Acosta, Britt Mistele, Greg Trafidlo, and Mike Franke. Below, SVSA President, show MC, and overall Grand Poobah Mike DeGiorgi delivers some asides.

At left, Marc Baskind turns his guitar into a clock while Evelyn Danner wonders how he does it. Below, Jimmie Landry takes his turn in the round as his fellow SVSAers are deep in thought

Below, Marc Baskind and Greg Trafidlo team up. Below, Bill Stanton strums his 12-string.

11 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 ALL PHOTOS BY ADONNA LEMON 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 DATE FEATURE ACT...... OPENING ACT or poems, offer CDs and merch Apr 26 Keith Rea...... Bob Schmucker for sale, and hang out with folks May 02 1st Thurs Guitar Pull / Song Circle.....Jim Page who share your interests. The next May 03 Tough Old Bird...... Brian Coughlan “Third Thursdays at Third Street all May 10 Briz (Neil Young tribute)...... Alice Black Open Mic” will be on May 16. Sign May 16 3td Thurs All Open Mic...... Aspen Black up begins at 6:30 and ends when May 17 Andrew Kasab...... Matt Martino the list is full (15). Beyond 15 will May 24 The Entwined...... Mike Franke immediately go into the lottery for May 31 KT Vandyke...... Birdsong @ Morning (tent.) remaining slots at the end. Length of Jun 06 1st Thurs Guitar Pull/Song Circle...... Jim Page performance is determined by the Jun 07 Ron Fetner...... Betsy Biesenbach number of participants. All levels of proficiency and styles are welcome, SVSAer Aspen Black hosts the so long as your songs are appropriate regular 3rd Thursday All Open for all audiences. Mic at 3rd Street Coffeehouse. 3rd Street Coffeehouse also holds 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 May 2.

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.

12 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 SVSA CONCERT REVIEW KIM RICHEY AT THE HARVESTER, ROCKY MOUNT VA

Kim Richey mesmerizes Harvester audience by David Simpkins and interesting original songs. a much larger crowd than for her Kathy Acosta is one up on Too much banter but their first Harvester appearance a couple me regarding Kim Richey concert Aussie accents were endearing of years ago, and the audience was going. This latest performance nevertheless. clearly there to see the headliner. — my fifth, Kathy’s sixth — was Twice now, it has bummed me And Richey delivered, to no one’s certainly the best one I’ve seen. out that Kim Richey was relegated surprise. Actually, I can’t imagine a bad to the Landing Pad, the small She played a number of songs Kim Richey performance. She’s downstairs theater, as opposed from her back catalog which suited a consummate professional and to the main concert venue. It the long-time fans like Kathy and extraordinarily talented. just seems to me that someone me. The bulk of her show, however, She has clearly embraced of Richey’s caliber should be was taken from her superb two co-writing. She’s co-written with on the main stage. Then again, latest albums, Thorn In My Heart some heavy hitters and has some without a full band, perhaps her and Edgeland. I missed drums and number-one hits to show for it. introspective, eclectic, and cerebral bass but Richey’s steady acoustic She doesn’t always co-write, but songs might get lost in the big hall. guitar provided some percussion she’s done it enough to include Her entertaining and humorous and Reynolds’ keyboard dropped extremely funny co-writing stories would most certainly get in some low notes when needed. I anecdotes in her shows. lost. actually enjoyed the new stuff more Also, she’s worked with a In this case, however, there was See Richey, page 14 who’s who of producers – Richard Bennett, Hugh Padgham, Kenny Vaughn, Bill Bottrell, Brad Jones, Angelo, and Giles Martin. Her two latest albums have guest appearances by Jason Isbell, Pat Sansone, Chuck Prophet, Trisha Yearwood, Hayes Carll, Robyn Hitchcock, Josh Rouse, Marshall Crenshaw, and a host of others. At the Harvester in Rocky Mount VA, opening for (and then joining) Richey were Australians Jordie Lane and Clare Reynolds, two terrific singer/songwriters. Their opening set showed why Richey tapped them to accompany her on this tour. Wonderful harmonies, excellent musicianship,

13 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 PHOTO BY KATHY ACOSTA RICHEY Continued from page 13

PHOTO BY KATHY ACOSTA

Unsigned Only competition extends deadline to April 30 Unsigned Only Music Competition has extended its deadline to April 30. The competition is designed for all indie artists (including solo artists, bands, and singers) who are unsigned than the old familiar stuff. the one that won Americana album to a major record label. I didn’t think Lane was all of the year. Unsigned Only – in its that much of a lead guitarist but Anyway, I came away stunned, seventh year – has 18 entry then I was unfairly comparing him mesmerized, energized, and categories, including five new to Kenny Vaughn, one of Marty inspired. Not bad for less than $25 genres: Blues, Instrumental, Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives who a ticket, not bad for downstairs at Jazz, Latin, and World Music. produced Richey’s second album, the Harvester. Unsigned Only Grand Prize winners have been signed to record label deals. Many The latest SVSA Showcase at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA boasted winners have also secured an eclectic array of original musicians. Below, from left, Jimmie Landry, Bill licensing deals, publishing Stanton, Greg Trafidlo, and Mike Franke. deals, better gigs, and more recognition. The Grand Prize winner is awarded $20,000 USD in cash (plus additional prizes) and one-on-one mentoring by an elite group of record company executives. Prizes are also awarded to First and Second Place winners in each category. Judges include high-profile recording artists, journalists, talent buyers, music licensing execs, and artist managers.

14 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 The St. Patrick’s Day adventures of “The Entwined” by Dan Hildebrand McHonzik float, which was busting Every year for the past 33 years at the seams with five buxom Dan Hildebrand and Pete Honzik wenches handing out candy to the (alias Hardbean & McHonzik) kids and waving to the crowds. have held court in the pubs of Pete and Dan have been northeastern Wisconsin on St. regulars at Kathy’s. Local musician Patrick’s Day weekend. Jim Van Lanen Jr., a virtuoso Pete and Dan have their own violinist, sits in. Kathy’s Stage Door unique take on the many traditional is traditionally the band’s rowdiest Irish drinking songs and sea performance of the tour and is shanties they perform. The duo always a packed house. A Hardbean also share a hilarious collection & McHonzik concert can last for of Irish limericks and pirate jokes up to five hours and the 2019 event that have been donated to them on did not disappoint. This bawdy bar napkins over many years by and lively affair lasted well after followers. midnight. A show with Hardbean & Saturday’s performance was McHonzik is a fun and energetic booked at The Lighthouse in the experience as Pete and Dan perform quaint fishing village of Two traditional Irish Classics originally Rivers. The popular nautical- done by the Clancy Brothers, the themed hotel overlooks Lake Irish Rovers, and many more. Michigan. In The Gull’s Nest The band always encourages the Lounge, Hardbean & McHonzik audience to participate in the show. commanded the excellent crowd In early March of 2019 “the including family, longtime friends, Entwined” – Dan Hildebrand and Adonna Lemon and SVSAer Dan and hotel guests alike. Adonna Lemon – traveled north to This performance had many Hildebrand: The Entwined. Wisconsin along the chilly, storm interesting twists and turns. Pete swept shores of Lake Michigan. dress and stumpf fiddle in hand. and Dan ended their time on stage Adonna has been named an official Hardbean & McHonzik now followed by the Entwined. The Hardbean & McHonzik Bar Wench, have five official wenches. These duo sang a handful Dan’s originals complete with her medieval wench fine lassies fetch drinks, sing, tell a along with some tasty cover songs. few jokes, and kick Dan and Adonna then ceded the up their knickers to stage to Pete and Jim Van Lanen Jr. the music. who performed a compilation of On this Irish jigs & reels, Beatles classics, particular trip, the and a sweet version of Classical Gas. first of three sold-out As the day dawned on St. performances was Patrick’s Day, church bells rang as scheduled at Kathy’s the group busily prepared for their Stage Door Pub in afternoon concert at a unique venue Manitowoc. Pete and just a short drive away. Dan took the stage The historic Forst Inn in Tisch immediately after the Mills is located about 20 miles St. Patrick’s parade north of Manitowoc and has an and fireworks. The interesting history of prohibition parade included the era drinking, gambling, and official Hardbean & See Entwined, page 16

15 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 ENTWINED Continued from page 15

debauchery. Gangsters John Dillinger and Al Capone are rumored to have frequented the establishment often. The Forst Inn these days is well known as a popular playhouse and musical entertainment venue. St Patrick’s Day afternoon found Hardbean and McHonzik center stage in this dimly lit and charming dinner theater setting with violinist Jim Van Lanen Jr. and four wenches sharing the stage. Sunday’s performance turned out to be one for the ages as a full house of patrons eagerly joined in the fun and revelry. The performers shared many old stories and memories from their early years and provided insight to the meanings of many old Irish classics along with “a wee bit of the Blarney.” The afternoon was capped off with a Left to right: Jim Van Lanen Jr., SVSAer Dan Hildebrand, and Pete Honzik. heart-felt version of the 1777 song The Parting Glass, performed by Hardbean & McHonzik closed Day concert series; this was their Adonna Lemon. out yet another eventful St. Patrick’s 34th and counting.

Easy, affordable copyright protection offered Registering agree upon and register split sheets and work- splits and e-sign an music copyrights their copyrights. for-hire contracts can agreement can be expensive, CD Baby has recently be created. Songwriters • Register time-consuming, and partnered with Cosynd can even determine music with the U.S. confusing. It’s even to provide songwriters which collaborators are Copyright Office more complicated with affordable, simple authorized to license • Invite an when the music is co- copyright services. their music. attorney to review all owned with others. CD Baby clients can With Cosynd, it takes agreements And in an age register the copyright a matter of minutes for • Cut down on where so much music to albums, songs, songwriters and their paperwork, by adding is being made long- videos, literature, or collaborators to: multiple titles to a distance, it’s really images for as little as • Create customized single agreement important to have a $29.99 (plus federal ownership agreements So why copyright simple and affordable filing fees). Plus, free such as split-sheets and your music? online system for customized copyright work-for-hire contracts Copyright is a collaborators to both agreements such as • Discuss creator See Copyright, page 17

16 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 The most recent Susan G. Komen Cancer Benefit at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA brought in over $1500 for the cause. It was quite an afternoon of entertainment: Dozens of terrific prizes were raffled and entertainment was provided by opener Celie Holmes and headliner Clinton Collins. Pictured, from left, Clinton, Celie, and Greg Trafidlo.

COPYRIGHT Continued from page 16

creator’s right to copy, why it’s copyright. MOST of the song and profit from, distribute, important If you don’t someone helps you or otherwise “exploit” to register a have a work- with the lyrics to a few their own works. copyright: for-hire lines, they could say It’s a designation of • You agreement their rights are equal to intellectual property can’t sue in writing, yours – unless you put similar to a patent or someone other your ownership shares trademark. for infringement unless people (collaborators, in writing upfront. Songwriters own you’ve registered your producers, session This new the copyright to copyright with the U.S. players, etc.) could try collaboration between original songs and Copyright Office. Once to claim an ownership CDBaby and Cosynd recordings the moment you DO register the percentage. can simplify, speed up, they’re set down in a copyright, you may be Under U.S. Copyright and reduce the cost fixed format (on record, entitled to $150,000 per Law, two or more people of obtaining original on sheet music, etc.). infringement, plus legal who work together to copyrights for songs. But … registering fees if you win your suit. create content can claim For more information, those copyrights with It’s a myth that simply equal ownership shares see https://www. the U.S. Copyright paying someone means by default, unless there cosynd.com/cdbaby. Office is another story. they cannot later claim is an agreement stating html Three reasons any ownership of your otherwise. So, if you write

17 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 SVSA Performing Members’ Upcoming Gigs GREG TRAFIDLO ALICE BLACK Apr 27, Little Carnegie of the South with Trifolkal. Macon Apr 26, Lynchburg Lyrics Contest Top 10 Finals, 7:00 p.m., GA Miller Center, Lynchburg VA May 22, S.A.W. Songwriting Showcase Evenings with May 3, Smith Mountain Lake Business Expo, with JAM Marc Baskind. Cafe Monmartre, Lake Anne, Reston VA Trio, 6:00 p.m., Moneta VA May 10, 3rd Street Coffeehouse, opening act, 7:30-8:00 MARC BASKIND p.m., Roanoke VA Apr 27, Big Lick Tropical Grill with Heat Of The Night May 17-18, Milo Holt’s Western Film Festival, Siler City NC Band, 8-11:00 p.m., Lynchburg VA May 24, Winner’s Performance, Richard Leigh Apr 28, Unity Church of Roanoke Valley (music for two Songwriting Festival, Heartwood, Abingdon VA services), 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., Roanoke VA May 4, Palisades Restaurant, solo, 6-9:00 p.m., Eggleston VA SVSAer Celie Holmes May 5, Spring Bling West End Children’s Fundraiser, solo, did a terrific job as Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke VA the opening act of May 10, India Garden Restaurant, solo, 6:00-8:30 p.m., the Susan G. Komen Blacksburg VA Benefit held at 3rd May 12, Pete Dye’s River Course, Mother’s Day Street Coffeehouse Celebration, solo, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Radford VA in Roanoke VA on May 18, Civic Center with Beach Nite Band, time TBA, Sunday, April 7. Grundy VA May 22, S.A.W. Songwriting Showcase Evenings with Greg Trafidlo. Cafe Monmartre, Lake Anne, Reston VA May 25, Cruise-In with Beach Nite Band, 6-9:00 p.m., Tazewell VA

ASPEN BLACK Apr 26, Lynchburg Lyrics Contest Top 10 Finals, 7:00 p.m., Miller Center, Lynchburg VA May 11, Friendship South, concert with Kerry Grombacher, 2:00 p.m., Roanoke VA May 11, Evie’s Wildflour, concert with Kerry Grombacher, 7-9:00 p.m., Roanoke VA May 12, Friendship Assisted Living, concert with Kerry Grombacher, 2:00 p.m., Roanoke VA May 13, Smith Mountain Lake Neighbors Club, concert with Kerry Grombacher & Alice Black, 11:00 a.m., Moneta VA May 13, Ronald McDonald House, with Kerry Grombacher, 8:00 p.m., Roanoke VA May 17-18, Milo Holt’s Western Film Festival, Siler City NC

18 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 SVSA Members’ Recordings

what’s done is done marc with a “c” long story short eyes on the water

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

Mike Franke Greg Trafidlo what’s done is done — A debut release of Carved in Song— Most songs co-written 14 original folk and blues tunes about everyday with some of Greg’s favorite songwriters. life and interesting people featuring Mike’s Listen to audio clips at gregtrafidlo.com. fingerstyle and slide guitar. folk singular— Greg’s third solo CD reflects the diversity of his songwriting Marc Baskind 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 folk/country with an emphasis on well-crafted David Simpkins 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 warmth, wit, and humor. Songs include “I Got The Panini Brothers 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.

19 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 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 “Modern music is people from Laura Pole, Greg Trafidlo & Neal Phillips. who can’t think signing Josh Jones artists who can’t write Pacing the Moon — Thirteen of the songs to make records for strongest songs Josh has written. For lyrics, people who can’t hear.” short audio clips and additional information, please visit www.jonesgroupmusic.com. ~ Frank Zappa

20 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 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 “Songwriting is a very horses, cowboys, and rural life. Available at mysterious process. It feels CDBaby. like creating something LOVIN’ THE WEST — This is the latest CD from nothing. It’s something released by Western Music Association singer/ songwriter – and SVSA member – Aspen Black. I don’t feel like I really It features 10 original selections, seven of control.” which are road-tested favorites. ~ Tracy Chapman

21 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019 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 DeGiorgi – 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 Mike Franke – Treasurer e-mailed to members as soon as they are received and, Mollye Otis - At-Large Board Member if still timely, published in an upcoming issue of the Bill Stanton - At-Large Board Member SVSA Music News. Announcements from non-members Dennis Danner - At-Large Board Member will be held for publication in an upcoming issue of the Larry Helms - At-Large Board Member SVSA Music News.

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

22 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | APRIL 2019