SVSA MUSIC NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER FEATURE ARTICLE Songwriting for a specific commercial purpose by Aspen Black of songwriting as a personal outlet I began writing this in Roswell for viewpoints or emotions that – if NM over a plate of possibly the the song’s good enough – might best Huevos Rancheros I have ever find its way into our performance tasted, and I’ve become quite the sets at restaurants, coffeehouses, connoisseur. It’s one of the perks of festivals, and such, or be pitched touring. to another artist in hopes of A few hours earlier, I placement on an album. performed in the Roswell Public But writing for themed Library for a packed room of programs is different. It’s a specific kids, teens, and their families. form of commercial songwriting. This concert program has become My roots in learning to write a daily staple of my summer, songs commercially began in averaging two-three performances 1993 in Nashville. The focus of each day, five-six days per week. my market is different, now, but As songwriters, we often think See Feature Article, page 2 ASPEN BLACK

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 SEPT 26 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 FEATURE ARTICLE Continued from page 1

the elements of writing for a into repeat bookings and a stronger absolutely wonderful. All my commercial purpose are the resumé to sell similar shows to like kids are out in the hallway same. venues. yodeling!” The kids numbered In the case of educational After reading this, it may come just under 150 that day, so you programs, I write songs that fit as no surprise to you that I also can imagine the echoes. As the theme and fulfill some sort view the songs in my adult concerts writers, we want our songs to be of necessary element of the and festival sets as commercial earworms that go out the door show. My summer show, “The with our audiences. Score! Singing Cowgirl” (plural when “I can confidently tell I won’t mislead you; playing daughter Alice joins me) takes for kids nowadays isn’t easy. children, teens, and their families you that writing in an Attention spans are short and on a journey through history obscure niche market you must compete with the from the pioneers settling the old is not the formula for larger-than-life special effects west to modern western horse in movies and video games that training. All but one song in ‘instant death’ as a dominate their world. the show is an original, written songwriter.” Yet, with 54 children’s shows either by Alice or me. ~ Aspen Black this past summer – garnering Of course, not all of the fantastic feedback from songs in our show were written tools, although I have a little more librarians, parents, grandparents, just for that show. About half room to blend commerciality and the kids themselves, in of them are borrowed from our with my own emotions and addition to my year-round adult concert set. The rest are targeted observations. concerts, school assemblies, commercial writes. I call them While some might think that and duo shows with Kerry commercial writes because every the genre I work in (contemporary Grombacher – I can confidently song has to deliver the proper western music) is too narrow of tell you that writing in an impact to keep the children a niche that appeals only to rural obscure niche market is not the involved – singing, dancing, farm folks, we’ve had wonderful formula for “instant death” as a role-playing, etc. Plus, they need responses from all demographics songwriter. to move the educational aspect and cultural backgrounds across Instead, I’ve opened more forward. the entire country. Even street- doors by confining myself to a Day after day, I rely on smart city kids who listen to rap niche than I’d ever found when these songs to make up the and hip-hop are smiling, dancing, writing for the mainstream pieces of my paycheck. I’m not and singing along. market. I think the key, as a talking about royalties, but the The librarian in Roswell NM songwriter, is to write as a actual pay I get after each show. summed up the typical feedback thoroughly creative artist who is Additionally, solid shows parlay we get after a show: “This was a businessman (or woman!).

2 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 First set performers left to right: David Simpkins, Frank Dieter, Jimmie Landry, Britt Mistele. (Photo by Kathy Acosta.) SVSA Showcase spotlights originality, individuality It would be safe to say that never heard their songs before. That did at the latest SVSA Showcase. if you were looking for as much knowledge puts more emphasis on From the grand and eloquent to originality as you could swallow, the performance element; if you’re the quiet and witty, the songs took then you certainly would have gotten asking your listeners to absorb a their natural places as the focus of your fill at the SVSA Showcase held lengthy program of unfamiliar the performance. The audience rode Saturday, September 22 at 3rd Street music, then you’d better figure out the wave of eclecticism as they in Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA. a way to make it as entertaining as turn laughed, cried, listened intently, Songwriters who perform their possible. and applauded. original music are well aware that a That’s just what the eight The first set kicked off with good chunk of their audiences have performers (in two sets of four each) See Showcase, page 4

Second set performers left to right: Mike Pearrell, Josh Jones, Egan Green, Bob Schmucker. (Photo by Cristina Green.)

3 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 SHOWCASE Continued from page 3

David Simpkins, followed by rains that had begun earlier in the showcase would be scheduled. Frank Dieter, Jimmie Landry, and afternoon. The weather was a major The SVSA would like to wrapped up with Britt Mistele. factor in the smaller-than-expected express its appreciation and thanks After a brief interlude, the turnout for the event. to the performers, to the audience second set started off with Mike The entire show ran smoothly members, and to 3rd Street Pearrell and then Josh Jones, Egan and was most certainly well Coffeehouse for hosting the event. Green, and Bob Schmucker, who received. An encouraging sign was A successful concert requires filled in for Bill Stanton. the number of audience members a lot of parts working together Bill lives in the Cave Spring area who spoke to the performers after smoothly and with as little stress of Roanoke County and was unable the show and asked questions about as possible. By all measures, this to make it to the show due to heavy the SVSA as an organization and most recent SVSA Showcase was a flooding in his area from torrential also wanted to know when the next success.

First set performers left to right: David Simpkins, Frank Dieter, Jimmie Landry, Britt Mistele.

PHOTO BY CRISTINA GREEN PHOTO BY DENISE SCHMUCKER PHOTO BY DENISE SCHMUCKER PHOTO BY DENISE SCHMUCKER Second set performers left to right: Mike Pearrell, Josh Jones, Egan Green, Bob Schmucker.

PHOTO BY CRISTINA GREEN PHOTO BY KATHY ACOSTA PHOTO BY CRISTINA GREEN PHOTO BY CRISTINA GREEN 4 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 Greg Trafidlo joined Sally Barris for several songs at Barris’ house concert at the King George Inn. (Photos by Kathy Acosta.)

Barris delivers ‘off the program‘ concert, workshop by Mike Franke she purposely took advantage of She was joined on stage by our I’m still reeling from our the friendly and songwriting-savvy own Greg Trafidlo for a handful of recent visit by Grammy-nominated crowd to go “off the program” and tunes. Also, Daniel Kepel-Young of Nashville songwriter and performer bring out a bunch of new songs – Lynchburg VA approached Sally just Sally Barris. Sally has been a friend including a couple that weren’t even before the show to ask if he could sit of the SVSA for years and she finished. in with her on violin, to which Sally recently came through Roanoke VA agreed – and they brought down the on Sept 8 to do a house concert and house! a songwriting workshop – a repeat Also, the “Back Row Angel performance of last year. Choir” was in full force as well (led This year, Lynn Hunt generously unofficially by Britt Mistele and opened her house, the King George Kathy Acosta). Inn, to Sally and 20 of our closest The show ended with both Greg friends for the house concert. and Daniel joining Sally on stage, Attendees lounged comfortably in all of them leading the room in a the living room and enjoyed snacks rousing inclusive sing-a-long of and beverages. Stand By Me. I should mention that I enjoyed The workshop – held the opening the show with a short set of following day at the 3rd Street my own material – quite a treat for Coffeehouse – continued the me. The show started at about 7:20 precedent set during the concert and p.m. and went almost until 10:00 included several improv moments. p.m. Sally first presented a When Sally took the stage, See Barris, page 6

5 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 BARRIS Continued from page 5

short summary of her partial capo techniques, followed by a presentation of 12 standard rhythms and strumming patterns. She then critiqued about a dozen songs, and finished with taking Greg’s new song and doing it in several of those rhythmic patterns. Sally really earned her pay! We hope that Sally will come back every year, and we are also looking to get other artists to come through town and do likewise. To make that happen consistently, we will need to count on the continued and expanded support of the Sally Barris (right) listens to a Greg Trafidlo community of music fans and original at Barris’s workshop on September 9 at 3rd songwriters. Street Coffeehouse. (Photos by Denise Schmucker.) Final thanks again to Sally and Lynn. Kudos to Greg for instigating organize, and to Mollye Otis and It was a great team effort. the event, many thanks to Bob Jimmie Landry for helping set up, Hopefully, there will be more to Schmucker for helping advertise and take money, and park cars. come!

Sally makes a lyrical point during the critique section of her workshop. She also included a presentation of 12 standard rhythm and strumming patterns as well as partial capo techniques for the guitar.

Above, workshop attendees absorb and concentrate on Sally’s comments. At left, Greg Trafidlo and Marc Baskind find that workshops don’t have to be all THAT serious.

6 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 OUT & WITHABOUT THE

SVSA

SVSAer Dale Hamilton (center) and his wife Deborah recently toured the Virginia Tech FutureHAUS exhibit. Students are building the smart solar home for an overseas competition in November. Said Dale, “We were absolutely impressed by the brilliance and creativeness of the Virginia Tech students who developed this home of the future. You have to experience close up what this house does.”

Jones fells tree, gets a bee surprise While preparing for recent Hurricane Florence, SVSAer Josh Jones cut down a 35-foot pine tree that had been leaning for the past eight years. Josh felt that it was sure to fall across the Jones’ driveway, and he didn’t relish the thought of sawing it up either during or after the hurricane. Josh has a tractor and two good chainsaws and he’s felled a lot of trees, so (he says) it wasn’t a big or unusually risky job. The tree had some yellow jackets in it a few years back, but after Josh killed them, none came to take up residence afterwards. However, when Josh looked inside the felled tree ... well, it wasn’t the biggest wasp nest he’d ever seen, but the cells in the comb certainly were. Josh says he’s seen some really huge wasps around his property and thinks he found their old home.

7 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 SVSA MUSIC NEWS CONCERT REVIEW

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount VA by Greg Trafidlo There is no better rush than hearing a world-class band sound like you’d expect them to sound. Consider hearing the Benny Goodman Orchestra or a Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band “wall of sound” live: You know how it’s supposed to sound, and when it does – as Asleep At The Wheel did at the Harvester on August 29 – it Ray Benson (second from right) and the venerable Asleep At The Wheel was pure art. entertained at the Harvester in Rocky Mount on Aug 9. The average age of the audience was around 60 and of them, all enwrapped in the Texas the players were stellar, and together mostly composed of AATW fans Swing tradition. They all received they were greater than the sum of and aficionados of the Bob Wills what they came for. their parts. They had the Bob Wills tradition. There were a few hundred AATW lived up to the many Texas Swing sound down to the times I’ve letter. Even when they played their seen them on own material, they consistently Ray Benson has led AATW Austin City kept the sound true to the genre. since the early 1970s. Limits – and They featured precise arrangements, beyond. They a lot of musical trade-offs, and were “tight as a they executed the changes and tick.” The band choreography artfully. was made up The band did the classic Bob of Ray Benson Wills standards, including Faded on lead guitar Love, San Antonio Rose, Big Balls in and vocals, a Cow Town, and the like. The twin piano player, fiddlers, Katie Shore and Dennis two fiddlers, Ludiker, also sang beautiful and pedal steel, a precise Texas Playboys harmonies. horn player, a Ray Benson was a mighty drummer, and entertaining presenter. Funny, a stand-up bass dynamic, friendly, and connected player who with the audience, he had them doubled on sax. where he wanted them for the whole Individually, hour and a half.

8 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 Meeting Notes Fifteen members and active in manning the one guest attended our phones for this worthy August monthly meeting. cause in the past and The opening “business” several members stepped section of the meeting up to answer the call (pun was taken up with intended) again. plans and discussions Eight original songs concerning upcoming were brought in for SVSA events. critique. The songs faced A last call for the standard SVSA participants was made “wringer” – an open for the September 23 discussion of each song showcase to be held at with comments, opinions, 3rd Street Coffeehouse. and suggestions freely The eight SVSA members offered. chosen will perform in Guests are welcome at two groups. The concert our meetings. Sit through will last from 7:00-10:00 a meeting or two and see p.m. whether or not the SVSA A call was made for would be beneficial to volunteers for the next your songwriting efforts. We’d all like to offer up a great big SVSA congratulations fund drive at WVTF You’ll find us fun and to SVSAer Celie Holmes, who tied the knot with Wendy public radio during the informal – maybe we’re Neuman on September 8. Hurray for your marriage and first week of October. just what you need! best wishes for your future endeavors from all of us! The SVSA has been ~ David Simpkins

SVSAer Egan Green has the audience’s attention as one of the performers at the Floyd Country Store’s Americana Afternoons session on September 1. (Photo by Cristina Green.)

9 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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/ MELODY HOOKAH LOUNGE B-SIDES 1217 Maple Ave SW Roanoke VA https://www.facebook.com/Melody- https://bsides33.com/ 540.795.5618 Hookah-Lounge-1834216276875768/ 467 Franklin St Rocky Mount VA 1st and 3rd Sundays. Doors open at 5:00 109 N Main St Blacksburg VA 540.456.2337 p.m. Sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. Show 540.739.3377 Tuesdays 7-10:00 p.m. Hosted by Dilly starts at 6:00 p.m. Comedy and poetry Sundays. 9-??:00 p.m. Valley Recordings. are welcome. This event is FREE. Musicians, singers, comedians, artists, rappers, bands. THE CELLAR FLOYD COUNTRY STORE THE MILL IRON GRILL http://www.the-cellar.com/ http://www.floydcountrystore.com/ https://www.facebook.com/The-Mill- 302 N Main St Blacksburg VA 24060 music/sunday-music-jam Iron-Grill-114614645259055/ 540.953.0651 206 S Locust St Floyd VA 24091 10190 Stewartsville Rd Goodview VA Mondays. 9:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Blues 540.745.4563 540.890.4766 jam. Sundays. All ages. No cover charge. Saturdays 8-midnight Old-Time music 1:30-3:30 p.m. All levels of talent welcome. Hosted by CHARLEY’S Bluegrass jam 4-5:30 p.m. http://www.charleyslynchburg.com/ Rick Selfridge. 707 Graves Mill Rd Lynchburg VA THE FRONT ROW 434.237.5988 https://www.facebook.com/ 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month. 7:00- thefrontrowsalemave/ More Open Mic listings 10:00 p.m. Bring your instrument and 356 Salem Ave Roanoke VA vocal talent! $5 food discount to the 540.345.1542 on page 11 first 10 people to sign in. Hosted by Thursdays. 8:00 p.m. Bring your own Jodie Davis. instruments. Come rock the house.

10 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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 10 https://www.facebook.com/ STONEY BADGER TAVERN Radford-Fiddle-and-Banjo- http://www.stoneybadgertavern. MULLIGAN’S Jam-191719767524461/ com/ http://mulligansbarandgrill.info/ 103 Third St. Radford VA 24141 3009 Old Forest Rd Lynchburg VA 6419 Williamson Rd Roanoke VA 540.629.2130 434.384.3004 540.265.7484 Mondays. 7-10:00 p.m. Radford Fiddle Tuesdays. 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. What Mondays. 8-11 p.m. Hosted by Phil & Banjo bluegrass jam. Hosted by started as an idea has become a Chitwood. Chris Bell. community of artists that help each other learn and grow on stage. OBER BREWING COMPANY ROANOKE DIVERSITY CENTER http://www.oberbrewing.com/ http://www.roanokediversitycenter. SWEET DONKEY COFFEE HOUSE 1443 Lakeside Cir Salem VA com http://www.sweetdonkeycoffee.com/ 540.404.0050 806 Jamison Ave SE Roanoke VA 2108 Broadway Ave SW Roanoke VA Fridays 6-9:30 p.m. 540.491.4165 540.491.0004 Bring your friends, show your talent, 1st Fridays. Play an instrument, sing Every other Friday (check web site for share some laughs and a few beers. a song, read a poem, sing karaoke, announcement). 6-9:00 p.m. Hosted or just enjoy. No cover. Snacks by Charissa Morrison. Bring your PARKWAY BREWERY provided. Small PA, two guitars, instrument or bring your friends. http://www.parkwaybrewing.com keyboard available – or bring your 739 Kessler Mill Rd Salem VA own instruments (no drums but SYCAMORE DELI 540.404.9810 smaller percussion instruments http://www.sycamoredeli.com Mondays 4-8:00 p.m. allowed). 211B Draper Rd Blacksburg VA Majestic Mic jamboree welcomes 540.951.9817 anyone to try their hand at music. ROCK THE MIC - ROANOKE Blacksburg Old-Time Jam. Hosted by Eric Larsen. http://www.kingdomofrock.com/ Wednesdays 7-9:00 p.m. Open to Rosetti’s Family Bistro anyone playing Old-Time style. THE Q OPEN MIC 202 Market St Roanoke VA http://www.theqlive.com Wednesdays and Fridays. Killer sound, 3RD STREET COFFEEHOUSE 8118 Plantation Rd Roanoke VA lights, merchandise table, sponsor https://m.facebook.com/3rd-Street- 540.362.8437 giveaways. Loud rock and blues Coffeehouse-190361914329993 Wednesdays 8:30 p.m. - ? improv, covers, and shows. Trinity United Methodist Church 15 minute set. PA provided. Hosted by 305 Mountain Ave SW Roanoke Scott Joshway. SOARING RIDGE CRAFT BREWERS 540.309.4707 http://www.soaringridge.com/ RADFORD COFFEE COMPANY 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle. 523 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke VA https://www.facebook.com/ 6:30-9:00 p.m. Smoke-free, alcohol- 540.339.9776 radfordcoffeeco/?hc_ free, no cover. Hosted by Jim Page. Fridays 6-9:00 p.m. Take the stage and ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf 3rd Thursday Open Mic. 6:30-9:00 p.m. share your sound, or just sit back and 333 W Main St Radford VA Smoke-free, alcohol-free, no cover. cheer on the locals who share theirs. 540.838.2399 Hosted by Aspen Black. Hosted by Betsy in The Verse. Saturdays. 6-9:00 p.m. Acoustic, rock, poetry, etc. Small PA available. WHITE HART CAFÉ SOUVLAKI http://www.thewhitehartcoffee.com/ http://www.eatsouvlaki.com/ 1208 Main St Lynchburg VA 1154 E Main St Radford VA 434.207.5600 540.633.0555 Fridays. 6-9:00 p.m. We will provide a Wednesdays 6-8:00 p.m. Open to all. mic and you provide the talent. Open for all music, art, comedy, etc.

11 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 SVSA MUSIC NEWS CONCERT REVIEW

KEB’ MO’: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount VA by Mike Franke Okay, so I’m biased. As a guy who plays “Blues-Infused Americana” (I made that up), I list Keb’ Mo’ as probably my primary influence, alongside Chris Smither, Steve Earle, John Prine, and Jackson Browne. So I’m unlikely to give his solo show at the Harvester a poor review – especially when I paid the extra money for a “Meet & Greet” ticket, which gave me a few minutes to shake his hand and talk to him, and then sit in the first two rows. Full disclosure … I was indeed a little star-struck. But, despite my bias, there is simply no denying that Keb’ Mo’ is what solo performance is meant to be; probably even performance in general. He played for close to 2-1/2 hours and never lost the audience once. He wove tales, both with his songs and between them, telling about himself, engaging with audience members, taking and sometimes fumbling a bit through memory-stretching requests. He kept his stage manager “Ray- Ray” on his toes, clearly calling multiple “audibles” regarding his set list and choice of instruments, even having him get his phone so that he could FaceTime his wife during one song. Keb’ played a total of six guitars Keb’ Mo’ (left) and SVSA President Mike Franke meet and greet prior to the See Keb’ Mo’, page 13 concert at the Harvester on Aug 15.

12 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 KEB’ MO’ Continued from page 12

and a banjo throughout the evening, but clearly relied mostly on his trusty Martin and Gibson acoustics. He also had a Gibson L5 and three resonators in the mix. For those of you who are not familiar with Keb’ Mo’, you might know him mainly as a “blues guy.” He is clearly founded in the blues, but he is much more. A thoughtful songwriter who drifts quite far afield from typical blues subject matter, he sometimes has an almost Kum-Ba-Yah positivity about him. His material vacillates between warm, deep, humorous, and naughty. He delivers badass chops tempered by humility and a willingness to take chances and to “f*ck it up” from time to time. The main thing I came away with was a reaffirmed appreciation for how one human being, with one instrument, can hold an audience in the palm of their hand. For my own performances, I plan to allow myself to engage more with any audience that I happen to get. I also plan to take a cue from Keb’s left hand and explore more sophisticated chordal arrangements – something I’ve been almost consciously avoiding as too complicated. Oh – and I will finally invest in some sort of stomp box. Despite everything happening in the music industry with respect to technology, I really do have renewed faith that live KEB’ MO’ music – especially solo acoustic music – is here to stay.

Dale Hamilton is also quite a tuneweaver in the kitchen. Here he shows off a well- done (and delicious) cover of a pulled-pork pie. (Photo by Deborah Hamilton.)

13 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 OUT & ABOUT WITHSVSA THE

Finding himself way down south recently, Bob Schmucker took the opportunity to play an open mic in Augusta GA.

There’s nothing quite as thrilling for a fan as getting an autograph from a favorite musician. And there’s nothing quite as thrilling for a musician as autographing a CD for an adoring fan. It was win-win for SVSAer Aspen Black and a young friend on Aspen’s recent western tour. (Photo by Heather Goddard.)

Maybe you had to BEE there ... anyway, SVSAers Dennis & Evelyn Danner, ukuleles in hand, are clearly up to something. It’s probably best we don’t know what.

Steve Clark continues his frequent open mic appearances. This time, he’s at Leesville Lake Marina in Gretna VA.

14 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 SVSA MUSIC NEWS CONCERT REVIEW

THE EARLS OF LEICESTER: Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount VA

by David Simpkins The Earls of Leicester at the Harvester: Left to right, Johnny Warren, Charlie Cushman, In Britain, they pronounce Jeff White, Barry Bales, Shawn Camp, and Jerry Douglas. (Photos by Kathy Acosta.) “Leicester” as “Lester.” So it’s the Earls of Lester – as in Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. The band, formed in 2013 by exemplary dobro player Jerry Douglas, is intended to be a loving tribute to the late Flatt & Scruggs contingent – and what a tribute it is! Playing all the songs off their first Grammy-winning self-titled album and most of the songs from their newest release, the bluegrassers more than lived up to their intent. I never got to see the original Flatt & Scruggs band but, from all accounts, this is as close as it gets. From about Throughout the show, the Earls of Leicester demonstrated absolute mastery center five rows back, I closed my eyes, of their instruments, but even more impressive was the love and respect they and – sure enough – that was the sound showed for their heroes, Flatt & Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys. Several I remember from Saturday afternoons times, leader Douglas grinned and exclaimed, “We just LOVE playing this music!” in the early ’60s. My dad and I would settle in for syndicated country-music TV, capped off by the Flatt & Scruggs Martha White / Pet Milk show from the Grand Ol’ Opry. The grainy DVDs and videos from those old programs don’t match the in-color real thing. The Earls of Leicester get real close, though. I’m not too crazy about bluegrass in general, but I love this stuff. And even Kathy Acosta, my wife, fellow music lover, and SVSAer effusively said, “I never thought I’d be going to see a hillbilly band. But man, those guys were tight!”

15 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 Sakayama featured in regional publication Former SVSA President Larry Sakayama is featured in the fall 2018 edition of the Roanoke Times’s SWVA Living magazine. Larry’s eclectic hobby as a luthier is spotlighted by writer Jerry Hale. The article explains that Larry, 68, took up working with wood in his 50s, spurred by a decision to make not a musical instrument but (of all things) a kayak. From there, Larry naturally (or unnaturally, depending upon how you choose to look at it) decided that if he could build a workable kayak, then why not a guitar? From there, Larry has crafted 30 instruments of various kinds, 17+ acoustic guitars (of course), along with six dulcimers, a six-string banjo, a travel-size practice acoustic guitar, and a cigar-box guitar as well. Sakayama creates all this art in a nearby workspace specifically built for the purpose. The Panini Brothers, the group Larry performs with along with fellow SVSAer Mike DeGiorgi, also uses the workspace as a practice room. The article is full of details and sports a nifty picture of Larry playing one of his creations. To see a flipbook version of the entire article, go to https://www.roanoke.com/publications/ page-e/page_c53ed4cd-c2e3-5cd0-a343-139176914118.html The article is full of additional details about Larry and sports a nifty picture of him playing one of his creations. To see more of them, go to blackwaterriverguitars.com LARRY SAKAYAMA

Here’s Larry’s two-page spread in the fall 2018 SWVA Living magazine.

16 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 Notes, Announcements, Tidbits, etc. COLLINS CANCELLED ASPEN BLACK IS also charts. Aspen also writes instrumental scores to go Bob Schmucker 2018 IWMA FINALIST behind the poems and, announces that due to a Aspen Black is a 2018 lyrically, many of the poems family illness and other Top Five Finalist for IWMA could double as songs. pressing priorities the house Female Poet of the Year. This Aspen is also among the concert featuring songwriter is her fourth year in a row as a nominees for 2018 Academy and performer Clinton Top-Five Finalist in the poetry of Western Artists Female Collins scheduled for Sunday, category. Vocalist, 2018 AWA CD of September 30 at the BobTrap She performs poetry, the Year for her CD Lovin’ the National Park and Performing often with an instrument, West, and 2018 AWA Song of Arts Center in Vinton VA will in her shows. Her poetry the Year – twice – for It Must be postponed to a later date. also gets radio airplay; her Be the Rain and Sing Me a TRAFIDLO CO-WRITE Tales From the Road poetry Campfire Song, her duet with ON SOUTH KOREAN TV CD is currently at #2 on the Kerry Grombacher. Greg Trafidlo found recently an amusing entry on his quarterly BMI statement for his label, Kira Records Kaleidoscope, which he wrote with former SVSAer Barb Martin, was used in an episode of a South Korean TV ANDREW ADKINS comedy show, “Miss Panda and Mister Hedgehog.” TRAFIDLO OPENS Says Greg, “Looks like I Greg Trafidlo will owe Barb .512 cents!” be the opener at the Clay Check it out at https:// Center for the Arts’ Woody www.google.com/search?q= Hawley Concert featuring PANDAYANGGWA+GOSEUM Andrew Adkins’ CD Release in DOCHI&ie=utf-8&o Charleston WV on November 3. The show will run from 7:30 Aspen Black and Kerry Grombacher (left) were guests on to 9:30 p.m. ALICE BLACK IS 2018 NTV’s “The Good Life” morning program on September Performing with Adkins IWMA FINALIST 4 to promote their evening concert at the Kearney are Ammed Solomon, Bud Alice Black, 13, is a (Nebraska) Public Library, their other programs in Kearney Carroll, Clint Hoskinson, Top-Five Finalist Nominee for the following day, and their upcoming appearance at the Johnny Staats, Ron Sowell, the 2018 IWMA (International Wilson Public Library in Cozad NE. and Julie Adams. Western Music Association) The address is One Clay Crescendo Award. Per the Square. Charleston, WV. rules, a person can only make TRIFOLKAL SONGS ON NATIONAL RADIO Phone is 304-561-3570. Ticket the finals twice, and she has Greg Trafidlo’s folk trio, Trifolkal, is enjoying radio play price is $23.50. To buy tickets done so both in 2017 and this on many stations across the country. Specifically, their latest and for further details visit: year. The other finalists are CD, Silver, is having various cuts featured on the Midnight https://www.theclaycenter. largely singers or musicians, Special, a long-running and storied folk music program org/event/woody-hawley- first, not writers. Alice has hosted by Rich Warren on WFMT-FM in Chicago. andrew-adkins-cd-release- made the finals both years on The latest song from the CD to be featured was Tweet, with-opening-act-greg- her talent as a songwriter. Text & Like. The Midnight Special airs Saturday nights from trafidlo/ 9:00 p.m. until midnight. For more info and to see the playlists, go to https://www.midnightspecial.org/chicago/ c20180908.htm

17 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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 DATE FEATURE ACT...... OPENING ACT or poems, offer CDs and merch for Sep 28 ilyAiMY...... Josh Jones sale, and hang out with folks who Oct 04 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle...... Jim Page share your interests. The next “Third Oct 05 Dano & Marian McConnell...... Perihelion Thursdays at Third Street all Open Oct 12 Jimmie Landry...... Bob Schmucker Mic” will be on October 18. Sign Oct 18 3rd Thursday All Open Mike...... Aspen Black up begins at 6:30 and ends when Oct 19 Gladius...... David Barudin the list is full (15). Beyond 15 will Oct 26 Davis Bradley Duo...... Entwined immediately go into the lottery for Nov 01 1st Thursday Guitar Pull / Song Circle...... Jim Page remaining slots at the end. Length of performance is determined by the number of participants. All levels of SVSAer Jimmie proficiency and styles are welcome, Landry will be so long as your songs are appropriate the headliner at 3rd Street for all audiences. Coffeehouse on 3rd Street Coffeehouse also holds October 12. 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 October 4.

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.

18 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 RANDOLPH WALKER We need more non-Georgia songs Ukulele classes by Idaho? Or New Hampshire? What Randolph Walker is wrong with writing songs about start Sept 27 When Charlie South Dakota? You could even Randolph Walker will be Daniels came to write a song about Rhode Island, teaching an All Ages Ukulele even though it is a very little state, the Harvester in Class at the Brambleton Center, Rocky Mount and it might be hard to find words 3738 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke VA – I think it that rhyme with island. VA, on Thursdays from 6-7:00 was last year – it I’d like to challenge SVSA p.m., starting Sept. 27. brought to mind members to write songs about a problem in the other 49 states. Perhaps we The fee is $55 for eight songwriting, could have a one-day songwriting weeks of classes. The class namely, the excessive number of marathon. Yes, we at SVSA might will be for students age 7-107; songs about Georgia. be the ones who finally address students 12 and under must In addition to the crying need be co-enrolled with an adult The Devil Went Down “I have nothing against for non-Georgia family member. To Georgia, there’s Georgia. It is a fine state,songs. Randolph says that the Georgia On My Perhaps we what with the peaches class will be a fun and easy Mind, Rainy Night could even expand introduction to playing a In Georgia, Midnight and all. But enough is the geographic stringed instrument. limitations, Train To Georgia, enough!” Students must have their and The Night The breaking new ~ Randolph Walker own standard tuned (GCEA) Lights Went Out In ground, as it ukulele. Georgia. There are probably more were, by writing songs about Call the Brambleton that I cannot remember. U.S. territories and overseas Now, I have nothing against dependencies, like Guam, Wake Center at 540-772-7529 to Georgia. It is a fine state, what Island, the United States Virgin enroll or email Randolph at with the peaches and all. But Islands, and American Samoa. randolphwalkermusic@gmail. enough is enough! Why Georgia? How about the Northern Mariana com for more information. Georgia, Georgia, Georgia! Islands? Enough already! All of these places have been Why can’t people write more neglected too long. Let’s get to it, songs about Idaho, such as Private songwriters!

19 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 SVSA Performing Members’ Upcoming Gigs

MARC BASKIND GREG TRAFIDLO Sundays (with exceptions), solo instrumental, Luigi’s Oct 19, The Palms, with Marc Baskind, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Restaurant, 6-9:00 p.m., 3301 Brambleton Ave, Roanoke VA 101 W Nelson St, Lexington VA Sept 29, Bedford County Fair with the Heat Of The Night Band, Nov 3, Clay Center for the Arts Woody Hawley Concert, 6-8:30 p.m., 2074 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston VA opening for Andrew Adkins CD release show, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Oct 12, Pete Dye’s River Course, solo, 6-8:30 p.m., 8400 River One Clay Sq, Charleston WV Course Dr, Radford VA Dec 1, Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons Songwriters Oct 14, Inn @ Virginia Tech, Preston’s Brunch, solo, 11:00 a.m.- Spotlight with Britt Mistele, David Simpkins, Mike Franke, 1:30 p.m., 901 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg VA Mike Pearrell, and Kathy Acosta, noon-3:00 p.m., 206 South Locust St, Floyd VA Oct 19, The Palms, with Greg Trafidlo, 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 101 W Nelson St, Lexington VA Dec 2, Trifolkal CD release party, with Laura Pole and Neal Phillips, 2:00 p.m, Coopers Cove Community Center, 37 Oct 25, Al’s On First, solo, 6-8:00 p.m., 68 First St NW, Pulaski VA Penick Pl, Hardy VA Oct 26, Big Lick Tropical Grill, with the Heat Of The Night Band, 8-11:00 p.m., 4001 Murray Pl, Lynchburg VA DAVID BARUDIN Oct 19, 3rd Street Coffeehouse, opening for Gladius, 7:30-8:00 DAVID SIMPKINS p.m., 305 Mountain Ave SW, Roanoke VA Dec 1, Floyd Country Store Americana Afternoons Songwriters Spotlight with Britt Mistele, Greg Trafidlo, Mike Franke, Mike Pearrell, and Kathy Acosta, noon-3:00 p.m., 206 South Locust St, Floyd VA

SVSAer Mike Pearrell as seen from the eye (and camera) of backup singer and SVSAer Kathy Acosta as he prepares to kick off his headliner performance at 3rd Street Coffeehouse last November.

20 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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 through Sept 30. Pick your category and enter today! Click here for more info about MASC contest deadline is Sept 30 this contest: http://dsasongcontest.blogspot.com/ The Songwriters Association of Washington presents the 35th Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (MASC). Final entry deadline is Sept. 30. For more info, go to https:// SVSA members Sept 2018 www.saw.org/masc Kathy Acosta Matt Horner David Barudin Josh Jones Marc Baskind Jimmie Landry Alice Black Ashley Lucas Aspen Black Liz McAuley Clay Blevins Britt Mistele Steve Clark Paul Morrissey Dennis Danner Eric Mosley Evelyn Danner Jake Orzalli Sam Darby Mollye Otis Frank Dieter Charles (Jack) Page Mike DeGiorgi 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 George Harris Randolph Walker ALICE BLACK Larry Helms Tony Wegmann Alice Black has had a great musical year so far, winning the youth division of the Richard Leigh Songwriting Contest, Celie Holmes Randy Williams touring throughout the summer performing her original songs in 38 shows to large audiences, and had interviews for Bob Coulter (In Memoriam) newspapers and TV. Alice is currently recording a CD single of Sid Crosswhite (Lifetime) her award-winning song, The Town of Bodie, and is researching the migration and settlement of minorities in the 1840s - early 1900s west for her newest song, A Girl in a Western Town.

21 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018 LINKS OF INTEREST TO SONGWRITERS DOES IT MATTER WHERE GUITARS ARE MADE? HOW TO HACK THE SONGWRITING PROCESS https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/matter-guitars- https://www.songwriting.net/blog/how-to-hack- made/ songwriting-process

SONGWRITING SPLITS — YOU’D BETTER GET ‘EM RIGHT AM I TOO OLD TO LEARN TO PLAY THE BANJO? https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/music-rights/get-your- http://blog.deeringbanjos.com/am-i-too-old-to-learn- songwriting-splits-right-or-you-might-not-get-paid-at- the-banjo all/ INTONATING AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR THE ULTIMATE DESKTOP GUITAR PRACTICE RIG http://acousticguitar.com/why-isnt-my-acoustic-guitar- https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/ultimate-desktop- intonating-well/ guitar-practice-rig/

LOVE WEIRD GUITARS? HERE’S ONE: https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/27720-wizard- of-odd-late-60s-telestar-doubleneck SVSA CLASSIFIEDS FENDER PA, WIRELESS MIC REMANUFACTURING OLD CHEAPO GUITARS http://acousticguitar.com/scott-baxendale-is- For Sale: Fender Passport 150 Pro PA system remanufacturing-old-harmony-and-kay-guitars/ with Nady UHF-4 Wireless Mic system: $150.00 obo HOW LONG-LOST RECORDS ARE FOUND AND RESTORED FENDER PASSPORT 150 PRO https://lp.reverb.com/articles/scrapped-lost-hunted- • 150W Class-D power amp released-how-long-lost-records-are-found-and-restored • Speakers: One 5.25” woofer, Two 2.75” TOO MANY GOALS CAN BE A BAD THING tweeters https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/why-setting- • Line Out: 1/8” mini stereo out too-many-goals-can-set-your-music-career-back/ • Channels: 4: 2 mic lines with XLR and 1/4” line inputs, 2 stereo channels with 1/4” and HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE THAT, ANYWAY? 1/8” (for MP3 player) inputs https://blog.zzounds.com/2018/08/16/10-music-gear- • Impedance: 4 ohms brand-names-you-should-know-how-to-say/ NADY UHF-4 WIRELESS MIC • Choice of UH-4 hand-held mic transmitter or THE LOWDOWN ON ACOUSTIC GUITAR DIs UB-4 lavaliere or headphone mic transmitter https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/27686-the-411- on-acoustic-guitar-dis • 3-way switch selector for use with instruments WHY DOES MY NEW GUITAR NEED A SET-UP? • 120 Db dynamic range, 250+ ft range of http://acousticguitar.com/ask-the-expert-why-does-my- operation new-guitar-need-a-setup/ If interested, contact Frank Dieter at 540-580- 8002 (call/text) or [email protected] HOW TO HOLD A MICROPHONE WHEN SINGING https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-hold-a- microphone-when-singing-or-rapping/ SVSA Music News free THREE SPOOKY GUITAR MYSTERIES classifieds may be submitted https://reverb.com/news/the-devil-the-burst-and-the- by paid members only. All death-dream-3-mysteries-in-guitar-culture classifieds must be music- related. “THE LAST SONGWRITER” DOCUMENTARY (video) https://lastsongwriter.com

22 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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.

23 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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. “Within seemingly ordinary people there can exist depths of Josh Jones wisdom, beauty, and insight - if PACING THE MOON — Thirteen of the strongest songs Josh has written. For lyrics, they put in the work to plumb short audio clips and additional information, those deep depths.” please visit www.jonesgroupmusic.com. - Derek Sivers

24 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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 “Jack Kerouac supposedly wrote horses, cowboys, and rural life. Available at CDBaby. On the Road in a three-week drug- LOVIN’ THE WEST — This is the latest CD fueled blitz. But he spent six years released by Western Music Association singer/ songwriter – and SVSA member – Aspen Black. editing and refining it until it was It features 10 original selections, seven of finally ready.” ~ Derek Sivers which are road-tested favorites.

25 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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 The second set of the SVSA Showcase held September 22 at WHAT’S DONE IS DONE — A debut release of 3rd Street Coffeehouse in Roanoke VA was far from the snooze 14 original folk and blues tunes about everyday it appears to have been. Those guys put on a great show! Left to right: Mike Pearrell, Josh Jones, Egan Green, and Bob life and interesting people featuring Mike’s Schmucker. (Photo by Denise Schmucker.) fingerstyle and slide guitar.

When you play open mics, sometimes you need a SVSAer Aspen Black little bit of vocal assistance. SVSAer Randy Williams performs in front helps this young man get adjusted at Lucie Monroe’s of an enraptured (now The Little Green Hive)audience in Christiansburg at the VA back in November of 2016.Roswell (Photo by Public Rick Krajnyak.) Library in Roswell NM. (Photo by Claire Guiterrez.)

26 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 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

27 | SVSA MUSIC NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2018