Volume 4, Issue 1 Blue Water Folk Society February, 2012 Promoting Traditional & Acoustic Music in the Thumb of Michigan
Blue Water Folk Notes
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Coffeehouse Notes 2 Remembering George Stewart Events & BWFS performers 2 & 3 from George. I remember the first time Taste of Thumb 3 we came to the Coffeehouse, before the Dave Rutkofske Funeral 3 BWFS formed, George was the person that BWFS Member Activities 3 Thumbfest meeting info 3 welcomed us and helped us find a seat. Thumbfest Update 4 That welcoming stance and his great smile Contact Information 4 was a sight to behold. The Coffeehouse Membership information 4 Open Mic has become one of the best around, drawing musicians from all over Hot News to Use George Stewart performing with the Circle of and audiences numbering 60 to 100 each Friends at Lexington Harbor on Aug. 6, 2011 month. Dates to save: The Blue Water Folk Society lost a Founding George continued to perform right through Coffeehouse Open Mic: member when George Stewart passed his battle with leukemia with his last th away, after a long battle with Cancer, on th Sat. Feb. 11 public performance being October 15 , November 23, 2011. 2011 with the Circle of Friends (George th Sat. March 10 George was a very big part of the Blue Stewart, Dean Barnett, Mary Foley, Water Folk Society and the Village of Sign up at 6:30pm Open Gordon MacDonald) at the Baseline Folk Lexington, having served as a Village Society in Plymouth, Mi. which was started Mic begins at 7:00 pm Council member for many years. by George’s old singing partner, Mike (See Article on page 2 for Not only did George help found the Blue Mullen. Mike tells us that he started it more information) Water Folk Society, but he was part of the with encouragement from George. The
Some quotes from attendees: This is just so much fun ….one of the b est open mics around founding of the East River Folk Society when Baseline Folk Society in Plymouth is Save this date: he lived in Grosse Ile and the Music in the planning a memorial concert for George on th Park summer concert series in Lexington. th Saturday, April 14 Saturday, May 19 . More details will be George also served as a member of the sent later. Thumbfest Fundraiser & Lexington Arts Council. George’s love for Folk Music and his George Stewart Memorial In 2002, George brought the idea of the church were reflected with his wishes for Concert Thumbfest before the board of the BWFS. donations in his memory be directed to the being planned now….watch We were a very small group then, and the Blue Water Folk Society and Trinity idea of an all day music festival seeming for future details. Episcopal Church Miracle Fund. daunting, but with George’s expert Watch for information George leaves his wife Cindy, his son James leadership, we did it! and his wife Kristin; his daughter Mary about a Dave Rutkofske George always thought big and helped to Steffanich and her husband Stuart and his Benefit lead us to bigger ideas and plans. One of daughter Sarah Papagelis and her husband George’s plans was to bring Tom Paxton to Have an idea for a Peter plus grandchildren Ian , Alexander, the area. We did that with a wonderful, Jacob, Shay, and Cole and his brother Thumbfest Fundraiser or intimate concert in Port Huron. Robert and his wife Kathy. want to volunteer? Much of the sound system that we use for Contact the Board at: the Coffeehouse Open Mic series came [email protected]
Page 2 February 2012 Blue Water Folk Notes BWFS member performance
dates to consider: Open Mic Coffeehouse Notes Ourselves…. The Blue Water Folk Society Traditional (Ted Smith, Charlie Winter & Roger Open Mic Coffeehouses at the Trinity > Sunday March 11 3:00 pm Blume), Ande & Mike McCarthy); John Sanilac County Museum Church Episcopal Church, 5646 Main St., Dobat; Dale George; Micky LaPla Port Sanilac, Mi. $10 tickets adults Lexington, Mi. 48450 are in full swing Susan Srodawa with Tom Schlichting; > Saturday March 17 6-9 pm with audiences ranging from 60 to 100 Micky, Ron(McPhail), and Jim (Williams) Blue Water Sports Bar or more at the January 2012. Open Mic Lost Cuzzins(Dean Barnett, Kent Krueger, Port Sanilac, Mi. Coffeehouse. Dawn & Marty Malek, the Ron McPhail & Jim Williams), Steven [email protected] Coffeehouse Directors report that the Lichota; Tanner Simmons; Drew Morgan; Lost Cuzzins…. emcees were Denny Dwyer in October, Iris Spencer; Remeniscers (John Swinson, > Saturday Feb. 18 7:30-10:30pm Shirley Barnett in November, Dean Bonnie Bade, Earl & Gloria Lowen); Raven Café Barnett in December and Bruce Filbeck in 932 Military St. Some Other Name (John Broadwell and 3 January. Emcees will be John Broadwell Port Huron, Mi. 48060 members out of Windsor); and Mike >Saturday March 24 7- 9:30pm in February and Banjoey in March. Mercatante. Opening for Mustard’s Retreat Sound has been ably handled by Mike There was a wide range of music, from Upper Level Acoustic Café Mercatante, Tom Schlichting and by Yes Sir, You’re My Baby, to the silly Mrs. 1227 10th Ave. George Young. Set-up has been handled Fogarty’s Cake, great harmonies and fun Port Huron, Mi. fee by Tom Schlichting, George Young, Dean performances from our many bands; >Saturday March 30 8-10:30pm Barnett, Marty Malek, Susan Srodawa, some Gospel; beautiful solo work and Live from the Living Room Shirley Barnett & Al Lewandowski. originals from our solo performers and
7 N. Saginaw (by Blue Note) We have been seeing many new newer music from our new youth Pontiac, Mi. performers this season. In October we performers. www.myspace.com/lostcuzzins had 8 performers, with 10 in November, We are all still remembering a founder, [email protected] and 15 in both December and January. George Stewart. Dean Barnett opened Dean Barnett Time has become a premium. the December show with an acapella > Sunday April 15 11am-12pm version of “Ours is a Simple Faith” by Great Lakes Maritime Center Musicians may begin signing up at 6:30 David Tamulevich which was an Vantage Point p.m. until all the slots are filled for the Port Huron, Mi. Open Mic which begins at 7:00 p.m. important song to George. Ourselves did > Sunday April 22 6-9 pm The Emcee for the night will choose the a version of Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Raven Café order of the performers. Performers Rogers, another important song for 932 Military St. are reminded that solo acts are limited George. Port Huron, Mi. to 10 minutes (which includes those Ruth Habalewsky has been handling the [email protected] that have someone to accompany 50/50 raffle for Thumbfest. Winners Denny Dwyer them). This usually means 2 songs. A have been Ginny McNabb ($66); Judy > Every Friday 6:30-9 pm band or group of performers are limited Butler ($36) and Bea Castillo ($68). Bea Alexander’s (Gratiot) to 15 minutes. Time is limited so be Castillo donated $34 of her winnings to Marysville, Mi. ready to perform with little set up time. Thumbfest. Thanks, Bea. > Saturdays 8:30-11:30 pm The Open Mic will end by 10 p.m. Dawn and Marty Malek have been running Zebra Bar (Quay St.) the kitchen, with help from Mary Filbeck, Performers during these months have Port Huron, Mi. and Marie McCarthy and refreshments [email protected] included Banjoey,; Tom Schlichting & donated from Ruth Habalewsky, Ginny Rick Novak (@Banjo Jim) Walt Schlichting; Denny Dwyer; Jessica McNabb, Jeannine Kirchoff, Lynn Roe, Carol > Sun.Feb. 26/April 29 12 – 1 pm Lesausky;John Broadwell (Sweet Johnny Roberts, Susan Srodawa, Judy Butler, Dawn Great Lakes Maritime Center B ); Val Rushing;Iris & Claire Spencer; Malek, Shirley Barnett, Mary Spencer and
Port Huron, Mi. Ourselves (Tom Schlichting, Walt Marie McCarthy.
> Friday, March 23 8:00 pm Schlichting & Lyn Surbrook); Still Running Reminder: We happily accept your Live from the Living Room (Mike Mercatante & Jenna Reed), Kaylee donations of goodies for our refreshment 7 N. Saginaw (next to Blue Note) Kean, VCC (Valerie & Chuck Rushing & table as well as your monetary donations Pontiac, Mi. Carol Roberts); Jim Zimmer ;Larry to help cover refreshment costs [email protected] Calhoun and Mike James visiting from Contact: [email protected] if you out of state; Dean Barnett; Butterhair can lend a hand or bring something!
Page 3 February 2012 Blue Water Folk Notes
More BWFS performance >>>>>Sad News<<<<< TASTE OF THUMB Dave Rutkofske, a former production dates to consider: director for Thumbfest, a BWFS member and Still Running the founder of the Blue Water Musicians > Friday Feb. 17 & March 23 Network, passed away unexpectedly on Sun., 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Feb. 5th. Visitation for David Rutkofske will Raven Café be at Smith North Chapel Wed, Feb. 8 from 932 Military St. 2 - 4 &6 – 8 pm & Service on Thurs. 11 am, Port Huron, Mi. a gathering will follow at Grant Twp Hall. It
> Saturday, Feb. 25 8:30 pm is unknown at this time what will happen Dragonmead Brewery with the many activities that Dave had 14600 E. 11 Mile Rd. planned. We will keep you updated. Dave LOST CUZZINS… PHOTO BY ANDREW JOWETT Warren, Mi. leaves a big “hole” in the music world and [email protected] our hearts. Our prayers are with Connie and The Blue Water Folk Society once again provided the music for the Taste of the William Henry Russell her family…..the following info was part of > Sunday March 18 1-2 pm Members activities…I’m not sure if any of Thumb in Lexington on Sunday, January 29 at St. Dennis Parish Hall. Musicians who Great Lakes Maritime Center this will continue…but it does give you an donated their time were the Ourselves (Tom Vantage Point idea of how much Dave did. Schlichting, Walt Schlichting, Lyn Surbrook); Port Huron, Mi Dave was planning an Old Time Jam on John Dobat; and the Lost Cuzzins (Dean > Sat. Feb 25 & Friday March 30 Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Great Lakes Maritime Center from 11 to 3 p.m. Other Old Time Barnett, Kent Krueger, Jim Williams and Ron 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. McPhail). Shirley Barnett organized the Jams will be held in the classroom of Studio Raven Café music for the event. Brooks Solterman, 932 Military St. 1219 in Port Huron on Fridays on Feb. 24; chairperson of the Taste of the Thumb said Port Huron, Mi. March 30 and April 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. BWMN also hosts an On The Road concert “What a great day it was at Taste of the [email protected] Thumb, especially with the entertainment Dale George series at Great Lakes Maritime Center on some Sundays from 11 to 3 featuring both provided by the Blue Water Folk Society > Sunday March 18 12-1 pm BWMN and BWFS members. Dates are 2/26; musicians. Over $3000 was raised for the Great Lakes Maritime Center 3/18; 4/15 and 4/29. county Baby Pantry and for that, the Vantage Point SCCAPC (Sanilac County Child Abuse DAVE AT MARITIME CENTER Port Huron, Mi Prevention Council) is most grateful.” BWFS [email protected] is always happy to help. Ted Smith (with Butterhair) BWFS Members Activities > Sunday March 18 2-3 pm Great Lakes Maritime Center ****Call for Musicians**** Vantage Point Tom Schlichting is organizing an all-day Port Huron, Mi music event to be known as Samfest on [email protected] July 7th in Port Sanilac to be held at the Jack Ferguson(Cowboy Compadres) Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum. >Friday Feb. 17th 8pm Details are still being worked out, but it is opening for Judy Insley an American music event. Tom plans to Live from the Living Room have stages, workshops, jams and needs 7 N. Saginaw Thumbfest Meeting musicians to tell him what part of the Pontiac, Mi. Interested in helping with Thumbfest? great American Songbook they would like [email protected] Want to be part of the planning? Have to feature in a show, what they would like Maggie Ferguson some ideas for Thumbfest 2012? The to jam or workshops they would want, (Floyd King & the Bushwackers) next board meeting/Thumbfest etc. Tom is looking to solicit input from > Sat. Feb. 11 7-10 pm Planning meeting will be people who will be available and who Prince of Glory Winter Coffeehouse Saturday, February 18 at 11 a.m. at 1357 W. 14 Mile Rd want to participate. This is an event for Ruth Habalewsky’s home. All are Madison Heights, Mi. musicians to play music and enjoy. welcome to attend. Please send an [email protected] Contact: [email protected] email to [email protected] for Dan Shepherd Maggie Ferguson continues to host the Live > Saturday March 3 7:30-10:30pm directions and to let us know you are from the Living Room concert venue at 7 N. Raven Café attending. Come join us! Saginaw, Pontiac on Friday’s beginning at Port Huron, Mi. Contact for Performance submissions: [email protected] 8:00. For the schedule and more information Send your performance dates to: contact: [email protected]
Page 4 February 2012 Blue Water Folk Notes
Working to bring you folk, traditional Your Current Board Members music ! Help us to do that …join us!
You can reach all the board members by sending an email to [email protected]
Carl Kammer ...... President [email protected] term expires 2014 election Tom Schlichting....Treasurer [email protected] term expires 2013 election Jenna Reed ....Secretary [email protected] term expires 2014 election Mike Mercatante...Trustee [email protected] term expires 2012 election Ruth Habalewsky….Trustee [email protected] term expires 2013 election Blue Water Folk Society And we need a logistics director. This P.O. Box 83 Thumbfest Update: Jenna Reed person we need above all else. We Lexington, Michigan 48450 Even though we're a little more than half a need someone with roots in the Promoting Traditional and year away, we're knee-deep in plans for Lexington area. Someone who knows the Acoustic Music in the Thumb Thumbfest 2012! Right now we're starting scene. Someone who, when someone of Michigan to make decisions that will shape the runs up on Thumbfest morning because festival -- will it be bigger? More stages? Or Phone: we don't have power to stages, will say, more intimate? Bigger name bands? More President: 248-689-2840 "oh, sure. I'll call.... well, I'll call Secretary : 810-982-3382 local talent? And can we find a Coney dog somebody." Someone who then calls E-mail vendor?! somebody. Someone who knows [email protected] One thing we've talked about at board Editor: somebody with a truck. Somebody who meetings has been our dearth of key [email protected] gets stuff done. This is the person who volunteer positions. We have a broad base makes sure ahead of time that we have On the web: of volunteers, and we rely on everyone to www.bluewaterfolk.org places to put the stages, that we've lined www.thumbfest.org step up each year to do what needs to be up sound gear, and that the electricity www.facebook.com/Thumbfest done. And each year, you do! But there are works and people go where they're two huge jobs we need to fill. We need an We welcome your supposed to go on the day of Thumbfest. official director, and a logistics director for This is the person who troubleshoots on suggestions, pictures Thumbfest. It's not as scary as it sounds. the ground the day of Thumbfest. Gene and submissions for (And, full disclosure: the week before Butler did this amazingly in years past. our event calendar and Thumbfest, it will be eight times as scary as Both positions come with full support of for publication! it sounds.) the board and the cadre of volunteers Send your information to First of all, we need someone who will [email protected] we have. If you think you might have keep track of all the festival details the time and energy to devote to either of
Membership Info: board chooses. Someone who -- day of these positions, please email back, or Membership is open to all Thumbfest (Saturday, September 1st) -- shout up at one of the Trinity for a $10 yearly due will be the "go-to" person. Troubleshoot. coffeehouses (second Saturday of winter per person. Answer questions (the ones we've prepped months). Even if you have questions, or for months). Accept accolades with think you might be able to do either of YOU can join us by graciousness. This position is primarily these jobs, please let us know. People mailing your dues and advance work and coordination -- someone who have done these jobs in the past
information (Name, who is willing to keep track of what the will prep and coach you. address, phone number, artistic director, publicity crew, marketing Contact: [email protected] if email) to: and planning groups are doing. Remind us you want to help. Editors Note: Tom Shirley Barnett what we already promised to do. Schlichting, Mike Tremblay and Shirley
1809 Caughill Someone who can make sure there's a Barnett have also filled these roles in the schedule to follow, and make sure that past, along with the Board. Being from Columbus, Mi. 48063 schedule is met. George Stewart filled this [email protected] Lexington does help in knowing who to role for many years, and we'd love to find contact but is not always necessary. This is (remember to renew your someone willing to be "the guy/gal" who's YOUR chance to become a bigger part of dues by May 15, 2011) willing to plan the day of Thumbfest. Thumbfest !!
Next issue…Deadline March 25 …for an April special edition Page 5 February 2012 Blue Water Folk Notes Coffeehouse pictures from Nov., Dec.2011, & Jan
2012
Still Running Susan Srodawa & Tom John Dobat Denny Dwyer Emcee Mike Mercatante & Jenna Reed Schlicting
Banjoey
Ande & Mike McCarthy
Dean Barnett Emcee Bruce Filbeck Emcee
Jim Williams, Micki LaPla &
Ron McPhail **Steven Lichota
Remember, the quality &
quantity of refreshments is
directly related to your
Dale George donations ! **Tanner Simmons ** Steven,
Tanner &
Drew’s names & pictures may
be mixed
up…Senior moment for
the editor.
**Drew Morgan Jim Zimmer VCC (Val & Chuck Rushing & Carol Roberts)
Page 6 February 2012 Blue Water Folk Notes
Ourselves (Walt & Tom Schlichting &
Lyn Surbrook) Val & Chuck Rushing
Lost Cuzzins (Kent Krueger, Jim Williams, Dean Barnett and Ron McPhail
Iris and Claire Spencer Kaylee Kean George Young Ruth Habalewsky at the sound board selling 50/50 tickets
Bea Castillo winner in Jan. Remeniscers (John Swinson, Bonnie Bade,
Earl & Gloria Lowen Dawn Malek taking a break from the kitchen with our attentive, listening audience.
Butterhair (Roger Blume, Charlie Winters & Ted Jessica Lesausky Smith
Walt and Tom Schlichting
Just because they are beautiful John Broadwell (Tess & Catherine)grandkids.
Hootenanny at the December Coffeehouse Open Mic