SVSA PRESIDENT DETAILS PAGE 2 MIKE FRANKE’S STATE OF THE SVSA Songwriters Showcase ONION ADDRESS Fri Oct 27 • 3rd St. Coffeehouse, Roanoke VA PAGE FOUR SVSA musicmusic newsnews OCTOBER 2017 October Feature Article The next meeting of the SVSA will be held Ritual Listeners: Wednesday, Oct. 25 in the LL Rice Room at the Endangered Species? Jefferson Center in Roanoke, them. I loved baseball, but when Virginia. Doors will open at Mike DeGiorgi I played I was never Mike. I was 7 p.m.; the meeting begins Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris promptly at 7:30 and will or somebody else I was trying to last until the last song pattern my game after. I could play all day long and lose complete track critique is finished, or 10:30 of time. It was that much fun. p.m., whichever comes first. When it came to music ... same Members may submit one thing. I’d go into my room with song for critique (on cassette, my guitar and practice every song I CD, phone, computer, or knew, trying to replicate the way I you can perform it live) and thought it sounded on a 45 record. should provide at least 25 I’d practice until I got through my copies of the lyrics. Critiques whole repertoire without making a are limited to members only mistake. I could also do that all day long, were it not for school, chores, but non-members and guests and sports. are encouraged to sit in on As I got a little older, I the discussions and exercises. remember that I even ritualized by Mike DeGiorgi the way I listened to music. It In my relatively trouble-free would start by buying an album DUES BEE DOO BEE DUE! adolescence, I could get completely and then rushing home. First order Pay at a meeting, pay on lost in two activities: playing sports of business, carefully examine the our website, or mail $35 to: and music. Each provided me cover art. Next, read what was SVSA nourishment, like separate food written about the band and who groups. else performed on the album. Then P.O. Box 698 Both involved some rituals that the best, most sacred part — sit in Salem, VA 24153 were integral to my obsession with See Feature, page 3 The SVSA Songwriters Showcase will be held on October 27th at 3rd St. Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA. First set will start at 7:30 p.m. Second set will follow at about 8:45 p.m. SVSA member Dan Hildebrand will be the MC. SVSA President Mike Franke points out that this group of performers is not the usual “regulars” from years past. In fact, a number of them are rookies to the SVSA Showcase stage. Expect a lively, eclectic, and thoroughly entertaining evening. All SVSA members past and present are encouraged to come out and show support for this yearly endeavor.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 2 SVSA members winners in regional song contest SVSA member Catherine Backus, who performs as Catherine the Great, won second place in the 15th annual song contest sponsored by Rapunzels with her song Tomatoes, which also won first place in the most recent Merlefest’s prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. Long-time SVSA member Mary Gordon Hall finished in a three-way tie for the People’s Choice Award with her song Fine Start Of The Day. Catherine the Great Rapunzels is located in Lovingston VA. http://www.rapunzelscoffee.com/ Mary Gordon Hall
Feature article Continued from page 1 a chair, with the volume on my cheap stereo turned references a waste of time? Do people listen hard up and listen to every single word, reading along with enough these days to appreciate irony, cleverness, the lyrics as they appeared on the back or inside of the complex harmonies, inventive imagery? The answer, album cover. Then I’d repeat the process, listening to of course, is that some people still do. That’s who the separation between each of the instruments and I’m trying to write for. In my own curmudgeonly way visualizing who was playing each part. Then I’d just sit though, I’m gaining a new appreciation for the people silently for a few minutes and process the entirety of who stay ahead of the curve and write to whatever the whole experience. Sometimes that trends are current. was it and I’d resume other activities. It’s harder Bringing it back to our songwriting Sometimes I’d go right back to my X critiques, those also involve a kind of guitar and try and learn my favorite and harder to ritualized listening. It’s just compressed songs from the album. stay completely into a very short time frame and with To this day, if given the chance, I’ll focused on a very diverse sets of ears, each with still listen to music this way. I’ve talked song, to block different listening hot buttons. Kind to others who have a similar ritual. It of a good news/bad news situation. seems we’re all mostly from the same out everything It’s great to have that level of intense generation. People have so many more but the music. W attention paid to a song, but would the distractions in their lives today. It’s average listener today notice or even harder and harder to stay completely focused on a care about the same things? song, to block out everything but the music. I recently saw a documentary about the Beach When you grow up with this approach to listening Boys and how Brian Wilson really struggled to get to music, it’s tough to see listening get relegated to the his record company to release and market Pet Sounds. background. Some people have just enough attention Even during the glory days of ritualized listening, the to focus on the beat or the groove and not enough time suits were afraid that if the audience veered too far or energy to absorb the quality of lyrics or melodic from listening to surfing and car music, their heads nuances. Some will listen to lyrics, but don’t want to might explode! Brian Wilson was a ritual listener. He think too much about them. wrote that album for a likeminded audience. It was a Hit songs are produced to that listening approach. favorite of The Beatles, who listened very carefully to Occasionally, someone like Taylor Swift or Ed The Beach Boys. Sheeran can play by the current rules and still manage Tastes change, trends change. Good music is to sneak in an emotional connection to their target still good music, but that doesn’t always translate audience. It’s quite a skill, given the shorter attention to popular. Who are you writing for? How hard are spans. Must be the old souls among the young! they listening? Are there enough ritual listeners left to I think about this more and more when I write. propagate the species or are we only one more Bieber Am I “over-writing” a song? Are literary or historical tune away from extinction?
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 3 Sally Barris CONCERT Sat Nov 4 • 3rd Street Coffeehouse 305 Mountain Ave Roanoke VA 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15 at the door ($10 for SVSA members)
Sally Barris “Barris knows how to SONGWRITING WORKSHOP write lyrics that are as Sun Nov 5 • 3rd Street Coffeehouse forthright as a stream of clear water and how 305 Mountain Ave Roanoke VA to support them with 2:00-4:00 p.m. melodies that share that $20 at the door ($15 for SVSA members) quality.” All major credit cards will be accepted ~ Kerry Dexter / Dirty Linen “I want to hear your song! Please join me in this fun, safe, creative workshop Greg Trafidlo’s notes on the workshop: all about songwriting.” For each attendee to get the Sally’s career as a songwriter has led her to these simple ideas necessary attention time, there will be a limit of 15 attendees. I would hate which she shares in all of her workshops: To tell the truth, to get out to see any SVSA member miss this of her own way, and to approach songwriting like breathing, like an opportunity. everyday natural occurrence. Last year, Sally did one of the best workshops I’d been to. And I’ve been to Participants are encouraged to bring one song they would like to many. I guarantee that she will impart receive feedback on with extra copies of their lyrics. her insightful, award-winning knowledge that brought her Grammy nominations You will learn new tools and skills such as: and cuts by top-tier artists. 1. How to get inspired and get unstuck. You can pay via PayPal at the SVSA 2. How to keep your song honest while still being accessible to a website, pay me at the next SVSA listening audience meeting, or pay at the workshop. So let me know NOW if you plan on 3. The importance of structure, what goes in the chorus, what coming. First come, first serve. belongs in the verses, and how to write a strong hook. And, if you want to get together for 4. Lastly, the importance of writing a good melody and new ways to a pre-concert meal, Evie’s Wildflour come up with different rhythms. Restaurant and Bakery on 4th St in Roanoke VA will give us a 15% discount FOR MORE INFORMATION if you mention 3rd Street when you are Greg Trafidlo (540) 384-7770 [email protected] paying. Great food and savings too! • • Bob Schmucker • (540) 521-4507 • [email protected]
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 4 ell, Halloween is up useful information. tuned (so to speak)! almost here, and Our web site continues to We had a successful SVSA W we’ve had a lot going improve, and now includes the ability Showcase in Bedford VA for the on this year! Allow me to to pay dues via PayPal (thanks, Larry Smith Mountain Arts Council take a moment and recap it all. Sakayama)! (SMAC), and are planning another This is our first full year at the Paying via PayPal is a key one at the “new and improved” 3rd Jefferson Center (we previously met element of probably the biggest thing Street Coffeehouse on October 27th. at the 3rd Street Coffeehouse), and happening, which is Blue Ridge Also, be on the lookout for a our attendance has reached a solid SongRise – the name that we’ve given special concert and songwriting average of 19+ members per meeting, workshop by Nashville songwriter, including at least half a dozen “new” Sally Barris, on November 4th and members. 5th. And don’t forget BobTrap and We critiqued 85 songs so far, SVSA PRESIDENT Ginger Hill – always some great which means that about half our shows coming through! members, on average, bring a song to MIKE FRANKE’S Did I mention 3rd Street? That’s critique – and number doesn’t even right, there have been big changes include a few that were offered up via at our favorite basement hangout email. in the last year, which celebrated We had short workshops and its 30th Anniversary this year, and introductory discussions almost every underwent a change in leadership month, including: (thanks Marian McConnell and • A discussion of Keith Urban’s Blue Randall Walker for your years of Ain’t Your Color (Charlie Divers) service!). Bob and Denise Schmucker • Writing to the Pop Country formula and others have done a lot of work (Mike Franke) to improve the format, the food and • The Music Lab at the Jefferson beverages, and the venue itself. Come Center (Josh Harmon) on down and check it out! • Connecting Emotionally to the Allow me to proudly and Song (Mike DeGiorgi) STATE OF THE shamelessly plug Footsteps on the • The Stoic Guitarist – a remote Ceiling, a song I wrote for the session (Scott Perry) Anniversary celebration, which now • My SERFA Experience (Mike ONION hangs on the wall, lovingly framed by Franke) Gary Hunt, a long-time friend of the • Copyright Law (Larry Helms) SVSA and the force behind Bookbag • SVSA Songwriting Contest – Santa. SongRise – is ON! (Ashley Lucas) to our SVSA Songwriting contest. There are, of course, a lot of great • Vocal Production Primer (Celie This effort has been spearheaded by people involved in giving their energy Holmes) Ashley Lucas, with help from a lot of and making the club run smoothly. I’d like to point out a few others, and is scheduled to go Live in I’ve mentioned a few already. But highlights of the year, just to give March 2018 (though this is not public I would like to take this moment you an idea how much has been knowledge yet). We have kept the to personally thank two people in happening. effort as small as we reasonably could. particular. First, we are now all There will be four categories, for First, I’d like to thank David communicating via a new Google which we have secured the services Simpkins, our current SVSA Group email list. It has helped us stay of several local celebrities and music Secretary, for his work on the connected, and is starting to be used professionals as song judges. We are newsletter. If you haven’t checked to advertise amongst ourselves, ask deep in the throes of securing prizes it out, you should. His wife, Kathy advice, critique songs, and just offer and working out the details. Stay See State Of The Onion, page 6
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 5 MeetingNotes Twenty-three members in the round in two sets. A full slate of 11 original a meeting lately, stop on attended our September Members were updated songs were brought in for by. Non-members are meeting at the Jefferson on the status of Blue critique. The songs were encouraged to attend Center in Roanoke VA. Ridge SongRise, the first put through the standard as well. Sit through a There was a brief song contest to ever be SVSA “wringer” – an meeting or two and see discussion of the annual 3rd sponsored and conducted open discussion of each for yourself whether or Street Coffeehouse / SVSA by the SVSA. It’s clear song with comments, not you think the SVSA Songwriters Spotlight, that the contest will opinions, suggestions, and would be beneficial to your scheduled for October 27th. be well organized and observations. songwriting efforts. Nine members will perform professionally implemented. If you haven’t been to ~ David Simpkins
State Of The Onion Continued from page 5 Acosta, did our newsletter for • I think we can do better at many years, and did an awesome organizing social events outside job, nagging us for content and of our meetings. I’m selfish. I lovingly assembling it every month. just like hanging out with y’all. David took over those duties a year • I think we can do better at or so ago, and has taken it even to leveraging our connection with a new level, with member spotlight the Jefferson Center; the Music articles, an Open Mic listing, and Lab, in particular. We have not much more. Thanks, David, for yet cracked that nut, and I would your tireless work. You make us love someone to step up and take look good. on the challenge. Finally, I want to recognize • I would also like a renewed focus Ashley Lucas, our current vice on workshops that actually deal president. Not only was she the with specific elements of the featured songwriter on Blue Ridge craft of songwriting. Rocks early in the year, but now • I would like to improve our she’s writing for them! But, mostly, digital presence. Better Facebook it is Ashley who has been the usage, more interesting Twitter energy and inspiration behind our posts and more followers, first-ever songwriting competition, possibly a new, next-generation Blue Ridge SongRise, to go live in web site. March of 2018. We owe Ashley a Broader community engagement: • SVSA board member Bob great debt for continuing to raise involvement in vets events, local Schmucker acts out what could our bar to a new level. parades, local radio, school easily be a lyrical representation of So, what’s next? functions, etc. his song Roanoke County Jail. Bob Well, first, in November, we will Thanks to all of you who give says he didn’t have to spend any have elections for next year’s officers your time and spirit to time in the local hoosegow himself and board members. I will officially make the SVSA one announce my desire to be president of my favorite in order to research the song but, for one more year, and, if I’m lucky things. regardless, we’re wondering exactly enough to be voted back in, here’s So many which side of that sign it’s best to be what I’d like to propose for 2018: possibilities! on.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 6 The Coffee Pot Gospel Café LOCAL, REGIONAL http://thecoffeepotroanoke.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/ 2902 Brambleton Ave SW Roanoke VA Gospel-Cafe/392559714096332 OPEN MICS 540.774.8256 926 Indiana Ave NE Roanoke VA Sundays 5-9:00 p.m. 540.314.1423 Hosted by Al Coffey. Fri and Sat nights. 7-10 p.m.
Dogtown Roadhouse Lucie Monroe’s Café & Bakery www.dogtownroadhouse.com http://www.luciemonroes.com 302 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 1600 Roanoke St Christiansburg VA 540.745.6836 540.381.0909 Submit any Open Mics you come across Sundays. All ages. No cover charge. Wednesdays. 6-9:00 p.m. that are not listed here, as we’d like to Music starts at 6 p.m. Sign-ups for make this listing as comprehensive as early slots begin at 5:30, sign-ups MAIN STREET CAFÉ possible. Please provide the information for later slots begin at 7 p.m. PA and https://www.facebook.com/ in the format shown. sound man provided. mainstreetcafe434/ Also, if you should see a listing that has 521 N Main St South Boston VA shut down, or if you know of an update DRAPER MERCANTILE & TRADING 434.738.3524 to the current entries, drop a line to the CO. Thursdays. Open Mic / Open Jam 8:30 SVSA gmail address. Let’s keep this a http://www.drapermerc.com/open- p.m.-12:30 a.m. Bring your instrument vital and up-to-date source. mic-night.html and jam! Or just sit and eat, drink, 3054 Greenbriar Rd Draper VA 24324 dance, and listen to good music. No BILLY’S BARN 540.994.5659 cover charge. Hosted by Mike Warren. http://www.the-cellar.com/ Fridays. 6-8:30 p.m. All talents 1790 Thompson Memorial Dr Salem VA welcome. Will provide one mic, PA The Mill Iron Grill 24153 assistance. 20 minutes for musical https://www.facebook.com/The-Mill- 540.728.0270 acts, 10 for all others. Must be family Iron-Grill-114614645259055/ Mondays. 7-10 p.m. Artists receive a friendly and not too loud/disruptive. 10190 Stewartsville Rd Goodview VA mixed mp3 and a chance at $500. 540.890.4766 FLOYD COUNTRY STORE Saturdays 8-midnight THE CELLAR http://www.floydcountrystore.com/ All levels of talent welcome. Hosted by http://www.the-cellar.com/ music/sunday-music-jam Rick Selfridge. 302 N Main St Blacksburg VA 24060 206 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 540.953.0651 540.745.4563 Parkway Brewery Mondays. 9:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Blues Sundays. All ages. No cover charge. http://www.parkwaybrewing.com jam. Old-Time music 1:30-3:30 p.m. 739 Kessler Mill Rd Salem VA Bluegrass jam 4-5:30 p.m. 540.404.9810 CHARLEY’S Mondays 4-8:00 p.m. http://www.charleyslynchburg.com/ THE FRONT ROW Majestic Mic jamboree welcomes 707 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg VA https://www.facebook.com/ anyone to try their hand at music. 434.237.5988 thefrontrowsalemave/ Hosted by Eric Larsen. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month. 356 Salem Ave Roanoke VA 7:00-10:00 p.m. Bring your instrument 540.345.1542 THE Q OPEN MiC and vocal talent! $5 food discount to Thursdays. 8:00 p.m. Bring your own http://www.theqlive.com the first 10 people to sign in. Hosted instruments. Come rock the house. 8118 Plantation Rd Roanoke VA by Jodie Davis. 540.362.8437 Good Times Tavern Wednesdays 8:30 p.m. - ? Club Havoc https://m.facebook.com/ 15 minute set. PA provided. Hosted by http://clubhavoc.net/author/ goodtimestavern540/ Scott Joshway. jojohavoc 3107 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 202 Market Sq Roanoke VA 540-849-7407 For more 540.343.6644 Open Mic / Jam Session Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m. Hosted by Eric Tuesdays. 7-10 p.m.First come, first Open Mic listings, Larsen. served. Hosted Melissa Mesko see page 8
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 7 540.629.2130 SOUVLAKI LOCAL, REGIONAL Mondays. 7-10:00 p.m. Radford Fiddle http://www.eatsouvlaki.com/ & Banjo bluegrass jam. Hosted by 1154 E Main St Radford VA OPEN MICS Chris Bell. 540.633.0555 Wednesdays 6-8:00 p.m. Open to all. Roanoke Diversity Center SWEET DONKEY COFFEE HOUSE http://www.roanokediversitycenter. http://www.sweetdonkeycoffee.com/ com 2108 Broadway Ave SW Roanoke VA 806 Jamison Ave SE Roanoke VA 540.491.0004 540.491.4165 Every other Friday (check web site for 1st Fridays. Play an instrument, sing a announcement). 6-9:00 p.m. Hosted Continued from page 7 song, read a poem, sing karaoke, or by Charissa Morrison. Bring your RADFORD COFFEE COMPANY just enjoy. No cover. Snacks provided. instrument or bring your friends. https://www.facebook.com/ Performers may win gift cards. Small radfordcoffeeco/?hc_ PA, two guitars, keyboard available Sycamore Deli ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf – or bring your own instruments http://www.sycamoredeli.com 333 W Main St Radford, VA 24141 (no drums but smaller percussion 211B Draper Rd Blacksburg VA 540.838.2399 instruments allowed). 540.951.9817 Saturdays. 6-9:00 p.m. Acoustic, rock, Blacksburg Old-Time Jam. Wednesdays poetry, etc. Small PA available. ROCK THE MIC - ROANOKE 7-9:00 p.m. Open to anyone playing http://www.kingdomofrock.com/ Old-Time style. RISING SILO BREWERY Rosetti’s Family Bistro www.RisingSiloBrewery.com 202 Market St Roanoke VA 3rd street coffeehouse 2351 Glade Rd Blacksburg VA Wednesdays and Fridays. Killer sound, https://m.facebook.com/3rd-Street- 410.596.1200 lights, merchandise table, sponsor Coffeehouse-190361914329993 Monthly Irish Jam. Fridays, 7-9:00 giveaways. Loud rock and blues Trinity United Methodist Church p.m. Sit-ins welcome. Bring your improv, covers, and shows. 305 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke instrument, your open ears, and your 540.309.4707 tapping toes. Tips encouraged for Schooner’s 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle. musicians, no cover. http://www.schoonersfamily.com 6:30-9:00 p.m. Smoke-free, alcohol- 7226 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA free, no cover. Hosted by Brooke RIVER CITY GRILL 540.420.0927 Cundiff. Tuesdays. 8:00 p.m. Solo to bands – all https://www.facebook.com/ 3rd Thursday Open Mic. 6:30-9:00 p.m. welcome. Hosted by Steve Guidus. Radford-Fiddle-and-Banjo- Smoke-free, alcohol-free, no cover. Jam-191719767524461/ Hosted by Aspen Black. 103 Third St. Radford VA 24141
SVSA members volunteer for radio fund raiser
Through the years, SVSA has often had a presence at various fund-raising efforts by local public radio WVTF in Roanoke VA. Here, during the station’s latest fund drive, SVSA members (left to right) Mike Franke, Bob SVSASchmucker, music news Marc Baskind, and Aspen Black man the phone banks and the computers. OCTOBER 2017 8 OUT & ABOUT WITHSVSA THE
On September 29, SVSA member Mike Pearrell headlined at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA. Backing Mike were SVSA members Kathy Acosta, Britt Mistele, Greg Trafidlo, and David Simpkins. SVSA member Mike Franke opened to a near full house. Left to right, Greg, Britt, Kathy (behind Mike), Mike, and David. (Photo by Steve Clark.)
Left to right, Greg Trafidlo, Britt Mistele (behind Greg), Kathy SVSA Secretary David Simpkins Acosta, and Mike Pearrell. The performance was filled with had no vocal duties but played his original favorites, new originals, and some choice covers. (Photo Epiphone Thunderbird bass guitar. by Steve Clark.) The last time David backed anyone on bass was the last time Mike Pearrell headlined at 3rd Street Coffeehouse back in 2013. (Photo by SVSA music news Steve Clark.) OCTOBER 2017 9 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 Upcoming at 3rd Street Coffeehouse to share work, try out new songs DATE FEATURE ACT OPENING ACT or poems, offer CDs and merch for sale, and hang out with folks Oct 27 SVSA Songwriters in the Round...... no opening act who share your interests. The next Nov 2 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle...... n/a “Third Thursdays at Third Street all Nov 3 Steve Smith...... Two To Tango Open Mic” will be on Nov 16th. Sign Nov 10 Rupert Wates...... Josh Jones up begins at 6:30 and ends when Nov 16 3rd Thursday All Open Mic...... n/a the list is full (15). Beyond 15 will Nov 17 Davis Bradley Duo...... Mike Franke immediately go into the lottery for remaining slots at the end. Length Nov 24 Closed for Thanksgiving of performance is determined by the number of participants. All levels of proficiency and styles are SVSA member Brooke welcome, so long as your songs are Cundiff hosts a 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / appropriate for all audiences. Song Circle every month 3rd Street Coffeehouse has also at 3rd Street Coffeehouse. initiated the “First Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle” from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hosted by SVSA member Brooke Cundiff, 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 November 2nd.
3rd Street Coffeehouse, venue. A hat is passed for donations 3rd Street Coffeehouse is located established in 1987, is open every to the featured performers. at Trinity United Methodist Church Friday evening. Opening act If you’re interested in opening at 305 Mountain Ave. SW, Roanoke, performances last from 7:30-8:30 a show or headlining a night at 3rd VA. p.m.; feature performer from 8:30- Street Coffeehouse, contact Josh More info can be found online at 10:00 p.m. 3rd Street is a smoke- Jones at 540-761-1351 or email www.roanoke.com Events Calendar free, alcohol-free, no-cover-charge [email protected]. and on Facebook.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 10 Compiled by Ashley Lucas. Please write a short bio, answer the following questions, and return to [email protected] Include where you work, hobbies/interests other than songwriting, instruments you play, unique experiences you’ve had, family infor- mation, etc. BE CREATIVE! SVSA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT LARRY HELMS ... likes to think of his relevant past as the six years he and his wife have been retired, although he’ll be glad to share the name of his high school English teacher if anyone asks. He spends his time now playing guitar, writing songs, poetry, novels, and occasional essays, trying to teach himself piano, and restoring old cars. He says that dabbling in many things provides a handy excuse for not mastering any of them.
• What are your songwriting ambitions? Jefferson. Winston Churchill and John Prine at a bar and grill. Nothing more than to keep plugging at songwriting for the The Buddha, if he could loosen up a little. satisfaction it gives me. It’s for expressing things on my heart • What’s your typical songwriting process like? and in my mind. It’s like keeping a journal in tunes. I’m about half and half starting with lyrics and with melody/ • How long have you been a songwriter? groove. The melodies come to me mainly from noodling, and I first played guitar in college, achieving some proficiency in the lyrics from a single phrase from which to elaborate a story. strumming several chords. I went through long slack periods I don’t start with an idea, but with a feeling. I like songs to be during the parenting and working years, then took it up again long enough to get the story and feelings out, regardless of in earnest after I knew I’d maxed out on career achievement convention (because they’re primarily personal expressions). and the kids were grown. Now I’ve mastered the strumming of What I have to work on the most is remembering a first draft is several more chords. Next comes Travis picking. an outline, a skeleton that requires a lot more to look human. I • What would be your dream gig? get too impatient to go on to another song before I fatten up the Alone at home or at Blackwater Studios with no one there but last one. That’s the chief benefit to me from our group – getting the engineer. Anything more is stressful. confronted with the fact a song is still too bony. • What is your favorite lyric? • What’s your favorite song you’ve written and why? Since there are so many I admire, I have no favorite. Forced to The current one I’m working on, since the satisfaction is mostly answer, the first I thought of was James Taylor’s It’s Enough To the process. It’s similar to my feeling about antique cars – once Be On Your Way. It’s rawly personal, simple yet beautiful, full of they’re done, they just sit there. angst, and uses the F word appropriately. • Who are your favorite songwriters? • What song do you wish you’d written? The storytellers, such as John Prine, Don McLean, Harry Chapin, A really good one. Dar Williams, Kris Kristofferson, and Jackson Browne. I’m also partial to John Denver, whose work reminds me you can make • Who would you like to have dinner with? some close-to-good songs that are more awful than unvarnished William Faulkner, although I can’t imagine why he’d want to drivel. have dinner with me. Sally Hemings, to talk about the real
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 11 It’s not an issue of the SVSA Music News without our two favorite cowgirls, Alice Black and her mom Aspen. Here they are last summer at a couple of their western road gigs.
Upcoming Contests
Sign up for the 19th Annual Running through November 15, Great American Song Contest™. 2017, Music City SongStar is open Here are some benefits: to all genres of music. The top four • Win prestigious songwriting awards Registration is now open for the finalists will perform their original and $10,000 in prizes 14th Annual IAMA (International song at a premier historic Nashville • Get your songs heard and evaluated Acoustic Music Awards). TN venue. The winning songwriter by top music-industry professionals • Enter online with an will be awarded $5,000 in cash and a • ALL entries receive a thorough mp3, Soundcloud, YouTube, or Bluesman Vintage guitar. Other prizes review from qualified music- Reverbnation URL of your song. will be awarded to 25 semi-finalists. industry professionals • IAMA has an “Artist of Month” The Grand Prize winner receives: • ALL submissions receive a written feature. Enterants may get featured! • $5000. evaluation from contest judges • IAMA embraces many genres in • Invitation to perform their song Submission deadline is acoustic music, not just folk. at an exclusive event at the world November 15, 2017. For more • Acoustic artists in various famous Bluebird Café. information: https://www. genres can gain radio and web • A Bluesman Vintage Guitar greatamericansong.com/index. exposure. valued at over $2000. php • Win $11,000 worth of prizes! • $500 plus hotel • Judging is based on excellence accommodations included upon in music performance, songwriting/ arrival in Nashville. composition/song choice, music The Grand Prize winner will be production, and originality/artistry. featured in the official Music City You can enter in a number of SongStar press release, which will categories. include the link to their song on the Submission deadline is Music City SongStar website and November 10, 2017. For details, social /media channels. forms, and more information, go to: For more information: https:// http://www.inacoustic.com/ musiccitysongstar.com/
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 12 OUT & ABOUT WITHSVSA THE
SVSA Treasurer Greg Trafidlo opened for Clinton Collins at Bob and Denise Schmucker’s BobTrap house concert in Vinton VA on October 15. Assisting Greg on vocals were former SVSA member Laura Pole and current member Britt Mistele. (Photo by Judy Larsen.)
Current SVSA membership as of October 2017 Kathy Acosta Egan Green Marian McConnell Catherine Backus Mary Gordon Hall Britt Mistele David Barudin Dale Hamilton Charissa Morrison Marc Baskind George Harris Paul Morrissey Alice Black Larry Helms Mickey Nelson Aspen Black Dan Hildebrand Charles (Jack) Page David Bowen Celie Holmes Mike Pearrell Steve Clark Matt Horner Larry Sakayama Brooke Cundiff Josh Jones Bob Schmucker Dennis Danner Jimmie Landry Denise Schmucker Evelyn Danner Steve Langston David Simpkins Sam Darby Mark Laperle Bill Stanton Mike DeGiorgi Leigh Littleton Greg Trafidlo Stratton Delany Ashley Lucas Randolph Walker Frank Dieter Barbara Martin Tony Wegmann Greg also joined headliner Clinton Collins (right) Mike Dittrich Robert Matter Randy Williams and his daughter Nicole Walters for several songs Charlie Divers during the main performance at the outdoor event. Paul Douglas Bob Coulter (In Memoriam) Several SVSA members were in attendance. Mike Franke Sid Crosswhite (Lifetime) Jerry Gilmore
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 13 SVSA Performing Members’ Upcoming Gigs Greg Trafidlo David Simpkins
Nov 10, Two-Way Street (with Trifolkal and guest Marc Dec 2, The Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons, in the Baskind), Downers Grove iL round with Mike Pearrell, Mike Franke, Greg Trafidlo, Britt Nov 18, Hootenanny House Concert. Song leader. Benefit for Mistele, and Kathy Acosta, noon-3:00 p.m., Floyd VA the 40th Anniversary of the Oak Grove Festival, Bridgewater VA Marc Baskind Dec 2, The Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons, in the round with Mike Pearrell, Mike Franke, David Simpkins, Fridays & Saturdays, The Greenbrier main dining room, with Britt Mistele, and Kathy Acosta, noon-3:00 p.m., Floyd VA the Walter Scott Trio, 7:00-10:00 p.m., White Sulphur Springs WVA Sunday Evenings, Luigi’s, background solo, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Barbara Martin Brambleton Ave Roanoke VA Nov 18, Back Porch Coffeehouse, 7:30 p.m., Trinity United Oct 29, Beliveau Estates Winery, solo, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Methodist Church, 19637 Main St Buchanan VA, (540) 254- Blacksburg VA 2475, donation suggested. Nov 30, MVP Salon, Pre-Weekend, with Robin Scott, 5:00-8:00 p.m., 354 Salem Ave Roanoke VA
SVSA member Matt Horner is a frequent performer at 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 14 Here a link, there a link ... FREE GUIDE FOR VOCALISTS 5 EASIER ALTERNATIVES TO THE “F” CHORD http://www.discmakers.com/request/vocal-guide.asp http://www.guitarplayer.com/lessons/1014/guitar-cheats- five-easier-alternatives-to-the-f-chord/61885 TIPS ON CHANGING STRINGS https://blog.zzounds.com/2017/09/19/tips-on-changing- GETTING OUT OF A DOUBLE-BOOKING GRACEFULLY guitar-strings/ http://azaleamusic.com/getting-out-of-double-booking- gracefully/ BECOME A BETTER SONGWRITER BY NOT WRITING SONGS THE DEVALUATION OF MUSIC http://kimcopelandproductions.com/become-better- https://medium.com/cuepoint/the-devaluation-of-music- songwriter/ it-s-worse-than-you-think-f4cf5f26a888
THE HISTORY OF TORTEX PICKS QUICK TIPS FOR RECORDING ACOUSTIC GUITARS http://lifestyle.jimdunlop.com/tortex-begins/ https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/25774-tone-tips- quick-tips-for-recording-and-mixing-acoustic-guitar BE A SMARTER ACOUSTIC GUITAR PLAYER http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-lessons/five- ACOUSTIC GUITAR CAMPFIRE SING-ALONG SONGS tips-being-smarter-acoustic-player/30221 http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-ten-easy- acoustic-guitar-campfire-sing-along-songs YOU SHOULD BE PLAYING HOUSE CONCERTS http://blog.reverbnation.com/2017/09/26/why-you-should- WRITE A MASTERPIECE WITH THESE CHORDS be-playing-more-house-shows/ http://www.guitarworld.com/lessons-acoustic-acoustic- nation/want-write-masterpiece-here-are-some-chord- CHANGE YOUR SONGWRITING PROCESS progressions-get-you http://www.songwriting.net/blog/innovative-songwriting- process
HOW TO STAY POSITIVE ABOUT SONGWRITING http://www.songwriting.net/blog/positive-songwriting SVSA Classifieds
EIGHT NON-STANDARD TUNINGS YOU CAN USE GUITAR FOR SALE https://reverb.com/news/the-essential-alternate-tunings- Alvarez Yairi 6-string guitar. Spruce top, of-8-groundbreaking-guitarists rare Hawaiian Koa back and sides. Gloss finish and in great shape. K&K Pure Mini STOP WASTING YOUR PRACTICE TIME pick-up system. Comes with a hard shell https://www.indieonthemove.com/blog/2017/10/this- psychologist-wants-you-to-stop-wasting-your-practice- case. Would make a great Thanksgiving/ time Christmas gift! $550.00 Call Britt Mistele 540-745-6771. 10 SONGWRITERS’ RESOURCES http://dionadevincenzi.com/10-resources-that-will-make- you-better-at-songwriting-part-1/ SVSA Music News free classifieds may be submitted 10 TIPS ON FINISHING YOUR SONGS by paid members only. All http://blog.reverbnation.com/2017/10/09/tips-finish-your- songs classifieds must be music- related.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 15 SVSA Members’ Recordings
eyes on the horizon kaleidoscope touch the sky crossing over time
marc with a “c” long story short here with you eyes on the water
Barbara Martin Marc Baskind EYES ON THE HORIZON — Jazz and all marc with a “c”— Sampler CD of covers originals with Robert Redd on piano, Chuck and original songs offers a taste of the varied Redd on drums and vibes, Steve Wolf on styles of this accomplished guitarist/singer. bass, Mac Walter on guitar, Bruce Swaim on saxophone, John Jensen on trombone, and Matt Finley on flugelhorn. David Simpkins Kaleidoscope — Barbara’s jazziest CD. Long Story Short — Offers 12 original All original songs, with co-writes with Joel Americana tunes blending rock, folk, blues, Evans, Mac Walter, and Greg Trafidlo. and country. Touch the Sky — Swinging acoustic blues and jazz from Barb Martin and Mac Mark Laperle Walter. HERE WITH YOU — Twelve original songs feature a blend of folk, blues, Americana, and David Bowen (Acoustic pop. Backed by several SVSA members and Reset) others. Crossing over time — Featuring folk-pop tunes. Eight originals and eight The Panini Brothers covers accented by solid guitar licks and Eyes on the water — Debut CD from a accompanying instruments. Available at group comprised of SVSA members Larry acousticreset.com. Sakayama and Mike DeGiorgi as well as Chip Conway, Mark Earnhardt, and Scott Thomas. Jazzy, bluesey, eclectic, original tunes. SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 16 SVSA Members’ Recordings
carved in song folk singular co-writers in disguise old dog, new tracks
the crawlspace tapes pacing the moon winkin’ tao from the mountain Steve Clark Old Dog – New Tracks — Songs that range from silly to sublime, drawing you in DOG JOGGIN’ — with warmth, wit, and humor. Songs include Eleven sweet and “I Got Stuck Behind Buford,” “Time is a true amusing tunes Mountain,” and “The Tumbler.” Buy it from CD comprise this quirky Baby or contact Greg at [email protected]. singer/songwriter CD. Available at cdbaby. THE CRAWLSPACE TAPES — Greg’s newest dog joggin’ com. CD is a compilation of all his funny and goofy stuff. Tom Paxton says, “Loosen up, Greg Trafidlo sourpusses. Greg is on the loose again!” Carved in Song— Most songs co-written Josh Jones with some of Greg’s favorite songwriters. Pacing the Moon — Thirteen of the Listen to audio clips at gregtrafidlo.com. strongest songs Josh has written. For lyrics, folk singular— Greg’s third solo CD short audio clips and additional information, reflects the diversity of his songwriting please visit www.jonesgroupmusic.com. and production skills. With SVSA-ers on background vocals, and Marc Baskind on Trifolkal guitar and vocals. winkin’ — Newest release from that “trio Co-Writers in Disguise — Contemporary fiercely dedicated to fun” tempers the fun folk/country with an emphasis on well-crafted with poignancy and heart. lyrics and humor. With a number of SVSA Tao from the Mountain — Tight members appearing on the CD. harmonies, warmth, and witty songwriting from Laura Pole, Greg Trafidlo & Neal Phillips.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 17 SVSA Members’ Recordings
cup of contradictions dimestore detective land of my dreams what’s done is done
eastern western from the heart of a horsegirl poet lovin’ the west cowgirl cowgirl
Mike Pearrell Aspen Black cup of contradictions — 13 original Eastern Western Cowgirl — Eight songs. Lots of SVSA musicians singing and original Contemporary Western songs. playing. Available at CDBaby.com/aspenblack7. dimestore detective — Mike’s first solo from the heart of a cowgirl — CD features 14 original songs. Produced by Original spoken word poems adhering to the Greg Trafidlo; with a number of guest SVSA Western Music Association guidelines for the musicians. Available at Mike’s shows. cowboy poetry genre. Available at CDBaby. horsegirl poet — Songs and poems about Marian and Dan McConnell horses, cowboys, and rural life. Available at Land of My Dreams — Takes the listener CDBaby. along on an excursion in the Blue Ridge a hundred years too late — All original Mountains in Virginia through 14 original music for horse lovers and those who yearn folk songs with celtic and country/rock to preserve the spirit and lands of the last underpinnings. Recorded at Catawba Sound American frontier. Available at CDBaby. Studio. Available at cdbaby.com. LOVIN’ THE WEST — This is the latest CD released by Western Music Association singer/ Mike Franke songwriter – and SVSA member – Aspen Black. what’s done is done — A debut release It features 10 original selections, seven of of 14 original folk and blues tunes about which are road-tested favorites. everyday life and interesting people featuring Mike’s fingerstyle and slide guitar.
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 18 SVSA DISCLAIMER About Classifieds: The ideas and opinions SVSA Music News free classifieds may be submitted contained in this newsletter by paid members only. All classifieds must be music- are intended to be helpful to related. Members, e-mail your classifieds to svsa. songwriters. The companies [email protected]. and organizations mentioned are believed to be legitimate; About articles and other written however, SVSA does not endorse contributions: any products or services and SVSA members write feature articles for the SVSA offers no guaranteed success Music News throughout the year. Members can based on the content. submit other articles and features at any time. Non- We are always looking for members may also submit articles and other written contributions but their inclusion will be subject to time articles about SVSA members and space constraints. All articles may be edited for and articles of interest to the space considerations and will be edited, as time allows, songwriting community. Send for spelling and grammar. E-mail submissions to svsa. articles and information to the [email protected]. Editor, David Simpkins, or svsa. [email protected]. SVSA is About Announcements: a non-profit organization.
SVSA members may list music-related announcements SVSA Board Members: in the SVSA Music News. E-mail them to svsa. [email protected] by the second Tuesday of Mike Franke – President the month. Announcements from members will be Ashley Lucas - Vice President e-mailed to members as soon as they are received and, David Simpkins – Secretary and if still timely, published in an upcoming issue of the Newsletter Editor SVSA Music News. Announcements from non-members Greg Trafidlo – Treasurer will be held for publication in an upcoming issue of the Bob Schmucker - Board Member SVSA Music News. Mike DeGiorgi - 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
SVSA music news OCTOBER 2017 19