April 2017 No April Fools' Article This Year a Tax
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www.folkproject.org April 2017 TM Minstrel: Aids for the Hearing Impaired When the new sound system was installed at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, it included a special addition designed to improve conditions for the hearing impaired. It consists of a short range radio transmitter in the sound cabinet that broadcasts the signal sent to the speakers in the room, and a number of small battery-powered receivers that may be borrowed by members of the audience. Audience members can bring headphones or ear buds that plug into the receivers. Or, if they are wearing hearing aids so-equipped, they can slip a loop antenna attached to the receivers that can transmit the signal directly to their hearing aids. Those receivers may be borrowed by our patrons for all Minstrel and Special Concerts except Open Stages (which are not held in the room with the new sound system). A Tax Deduction for FP Members If you volunteer at Folk Project events, there is a tax deduction you may be able to use to your advantage. The IRS permits a tax deduction of 14 cents per mile for use of your personal vehicle in service of a charitable organization. The Folk Project, as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, quali- fies as such an organization. So you can take that deduction for miles driven to FP events at which you volunteer. Keep a log of the miles you drive for such events over the course of the year, and you can use that deduction on next year's taxes. (Note: the 14 cents per mile figure is applicable to 2016 taxes; that rate may or may not change this year.) No April Fools' Article This Year Over many years, it has been the tradition of this newsletter to include a spoof article in the April edition to try to convince the unwary reader of some improbable change in the world of folk music. Unfortunately, it has become harder each successive year to think of new ways to fool our discerning readership. Last year we succeeded rather well, resulting in upset letters being sent to the FP board about our organization's name change. This year we know that everyone will have their guard up against being caught again by such a ruse, so it is with regret that we've decided the time has come to abandon this quaint if enjoyable tradition. And don't bother looking through the newsletter to see if there are any funny Calendar entries, Venue entries, Goods of the Order, or suchlike. We doubt you'll find any of them. Maybe next year. QUICK GUIDE TO THE INSIDE April Evening o' Music .................................................................... 2 Carl Croce Memorial Concert ......................................................... 2 2017 New Jersey Uke Fest .............................................................. 6 The Prez Sez ..................................................................................... 6 Members’ Gigs (& Friends) ............................................................. 7 Board Meeting: The Summary .....................................................10 Good o’ the Order .........................................................................11 NOTE: web links in the eNewsletter are now clickable April Evening o' Music April 2017 Sat., Apr. 8, 7pm • Steve And Christine Humphreys' The Minstrel 6 Penn Rise Court, Randolph NJ • 973/476-6792 Acoustic Concert Series presented by We had a blast with Steve and Christine in the chill of last December, so let’s do it all again as Spring approaches. Steve and Christine start the party at 7pm, an hour earlier than usual. Bring food and Note new Concerts every Friday at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship drink for sharing, instruments, voices, and at least one song for every amazing room in the house! 7:30 start 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ (Shoes off please, or if requested, our hosts will provide shoe covers.) $10 door www.FolkProject.org • 973/335-9489 • [email protected] Directions from Route 287 Take Route 10 West 7.8 miles, right on Millbrook Ave .08 mi., left on Quaker church road .3 miles, 2nd right Fri., Apr. 7: Silk City with Dan Pelletier onto Quaker Ave. 0.3 mi, 2nd right onto Fairfield Ave. .08 mi., 1st right onto Penn Rise Court .05 mi. Silk City is the high-powered combination of three of the most accom- plished musicians in the East. Danny Weiss’ blazing guitar and soaring tenor voice have led bluegrass-oriented bands from Bottle Hill to Skyline. Carl Croce Memorial Concert For over a decade mandolinist Barry Mitterhoff toured with Hot Tuna, Fri. Apr. 7, 7:30pm • Staten Island, NY and he has recorded for countless prominent acts from Peter Rowan to John Gorka to Julius LaRosa. And Larry Cohen’s bass playing is sought Folk Project-member Carl Croce passed away in January. He was also a member of the Staten after by musicians and recording studios around the country. Island Acoustic Music Society (SIAMS) and they will present "Carl Croce Tribute Night" on Friday, Dan Pelletier’s soulful voice can at turns be powerful and gritty, or tender and emotive. He never fails April 7th, 2017, from 7:30–10pm at the Everything Goes Book Cafe, 208 Bay St., Staten Island, NY, to delight audiences with his wit and tenderness. His shows feature just the right touch of sarcasm tem- not far from the ferry terminal. pered by warmth, realistic idealism, and a passion for life, love and the pursuit of happiness. If Tom Lehrer, New Jersey/Folk Project musicians who are expected to perform include Joe Petraitis, Ann Tendler, Shel Silverstein, Sting, Joe Cocker, and James Taylor all had a kid together, it would be Dan. Elle Malles, and Michael Mitch. Other musicians scheduled to participate, members of SIAMS, include Fri., Apr. 14: Open Stage Mara Levine, Rob Landsman & Elle La Forge, Lou & Terry Russo, Carol Ruiz, and Sharon Ostrov. Images This is an opportunity for all acoustic musicians to perform a 15-minute set on our stage, and of Carl will be projected along with some video clips in this multi-media tribute show. Joe Petraitis for the audience to be treated to a diverse collection of acoustic musicians. We’ve often seen will be the MC. See www.ETGstores.com/bookcafe for more information. previews of our regular scheduled acts for the first time at Open Stage. For information on how to secure a performance slot, call 973/335-9489, or visit www.OpenStage.FolkProject.org. Diane Ponzio House Concert Fri., Apr. 21: Split Bill—Andrew Dunn and Jay Mankita Tonight we feature one of our own Folk Project singer-songwriters, Andrew Dunn. Fri., Apr. 14, 7:30pm • The Bethel, Mt. Tabor, NJ Andrew’s thoughtful and measured view of life is translated into beautiful and pow- Bob McNally is hosting a house concert featuring Diane Ponzio, about whom he says, erful song, simply and effectively delivered. His songs are filled with fully fleshed-out "I have known Diane Ponzio as a friend and great musician for a long time, and have characters that may or may not be Andy himself. He presents a sym- pathetic and endearing stage persona that is more than a persona—it wanted to share her with the Folk Project community for many years. An opening in her is Andy himself, out there for the world to enjoy and love. busy tour schedule finally gives me that opportunity. I heartily recommend her as a gui- Jay Mankita is a wonderfully clever songwriter with a great feel for the power and the tar player, a songwriter, as a top notch performer, and a world citizen." beauty of the English language. But his songs aren’t necessarily clever just for the clever- Diane is a first-class writer and musician, with a knack for capturing human emotions, situations, and ness of them. He uses his wit to make a point, to examine ourselves, or to tell a story. But predicaments in song. Her songs feature rhythmic grooves, sophisticated chord progressions, plus sometimes it is just to be clever for its own sake, and that’s delightfully entertaining, too. lyrics that speak to both heart and mind. She is truly a songwriter's songwriter and a great enter- tainer. She has released nine CDs and has given concerts and created adoring fans all over the world. Fri., Apr. 28: Jeanne Burns & Andrew Hardin with The Levins Jeanne Burns & Andrew Hardin are a match made in heaven. Long time Minstrel Besides her performance and songwriting, she has also been a Martin Guitar clinician since 1985, attendees will remember Jeanne as one of the Burns Sisters, whose powerful vocal traveling on behalf of the company, playing her songs, and helping to tell the Martin story. Her harmonies thrilled us a decade ago. Her voice is reminiscent of that of the early longtime association with Martin Guitars has resulted in thousands of appearances, and two sig- Emmylou Harris. And Andrew, who for years was Tom Russell’s lead guitarist, plays nature models that bear her name. with a power and authority that is truly impressive and has a voice to match. Their Admission is $20. Reservations in advance are recommended. The Bethel is an 1873 Octagon meet- music has blues overtones but is much broader than the blues. A great combina- ing house on the green at Mt. Tabor, NJ. For further details, please call Bob at 201/924-0304. tion of two individually great musicians. The Levins (pronounced The L’Vins), Ira and Julia Levin, combine harmony-driven acoustic folk rock with wistful overtones of the 1930s. Their original songs sound like The Mamas and The Papas having coffee Want to Learn TV Production? with Cole Porter. They were the 2011 Winners of the Connecticut Folk Festival Songwriting Competition ... Horses Sing None of It! is Looking for Volunteers UPCOMING: 5/5 Jack Williams with Ron Renninger; 5/12 Open Stage; 5/19 The Loose Canons with The Lords The Folk Project TV series Horses Sing None of It is looking for a few people to volunteer 1 or 2 nights/ of Liechtenstein; 5/26 Closed for Folk Project Spring Getaway; 6/2 Frank Vignola & Vinnie Raniolo with month as camera operators, computer graphics operator, audio engineer, even director or host.