Thanksgiving Eve at Godfrey’s featured Dina Hall’s CD release party, with most of the folks on the album there, and to play the songs live.  Big difference that in the studio, especially with folks like me dropping in to play to tapes of other sessions.  Moe, Mike, Nick, Nick, Brittany, and some new folks played, and I did my mando parts on a couple of tunes.

Dina’s built a very nice musical vehicle now, with many, many hours of solo, duo and band gigs with all these folks, and now has a really nice CD to show for it, and take her further.  The evening was a success on many levels, and I proud of what she does as an artist, and for what she does for Godfrey’s artistically, too.  Graphics, graphics, graphics…..

Cool.  

Thanksgiving solo this year, for the first time.

I’ll be at Symphony Hall this Sunday, but will return to El Toro Loco on December 4th.

I was honored to be asked to do a family concert as part of this ongoing series of music, presented by the North Haven Cong. Church.  Past series have presented Celtic, bluegrass, world music, etc. and I was the first ‘family’ performer to be booked.  …. and thanks to DW Ditty, legendary CT acoustic musician, for giving the folks a nudge.

A classic New England sanctuary, with great acoustics and severely pewed seating – that is, hard to leave graciously, crowd-controlling boxes.  That’s fine in my book and shows how seriously the early preachers took measures for 2 hour sermons.

Yes, it was a small crowd with few ‘children’, but kind folks from the congregation supporting the series and it’s community.  But good kids’ music is good adult music, so I relish these surprising and challenging performances.

It’s not kids’ music; it’s people’s music, so singing along, doing the hand motions, etc. is exactly what’s called for.  Folk music.  I originally had thought the 75 minute show requested was too much, but it seems I did close to 90 minutes.  (and, as related by a grandmom, a teenager remarked, “Is that all there is?”) 

I had a wonderful time playing for this New England audience who rose to the occasion with the singing and laughter that makes what I do so rewarding, in spite of the 376 miles I put on the Honda today.

My first Christmas gig of the year – earlier than usual, but who’s surprised at that?  It was at the Christmas fair developed my Musikfest (Arts Quest, not), usually beneath the Hill to Hill Bridge near old Moravian.  It’s now moved to the Steel Stack area under a big ‘tent’ with heaters, fine artisans and food.  It’s laid out well, with a big stage and sound, tables for eating, etc. I’ve played most of these over the years and mix in Celtic mandolin tunes with kids songs, Christmas songs and carols.  I have good luck with the kids, moms and grandmoms, and did so today, though it was sparse, as expected.

One girl was wearing her Christmas dress (for a picture with Santa), and played tamborine along.  A really nice moment happened, as she moved to towards the stage, independantly stepping away from mom and grandmom.  She caught her shadow in front of her and started dancing with it, with no self-conscientiousness, at all.  I pointed it out to her family as it happened.  Beautiful.

I toured the artisan stalls during my break and struck up conversations with the arts, and, as I passed by the Santa scene, I was surprised to hear, “Hello, Dave Fry.”  I looked around to volunteers, shoppers, etc., and then realized it was Santa, himself, saying hello to me.  How cool is that?  He’s still knows who I am.  

The gig ended in a strange way, in that a gentleman volunteer came up and asked if I knew about Barber Shop Music, and I explained, indeed, my father loved it, and he had a great voice himself.  After some small talk, he suggested I find out more about, and dropped a comment about perhaps using the experience to help my singing.  Hmmm.  I commented back that folkies can get away with singing like me.

I know exactly where this is coming from – trying to cover songs that the whole world knows how to sing, or, at least, how they’re supposed to be sung.  I do some real traditional carols, and have worked up some nice variations, but I know I’m not ‘right on’ with all the notes.  Especially in November.  My comfort zone is tight.  He was right about loose tunes. 

Tomorrow, a cruise back to CT for a concert postponed from last month’s snow storm in North Haven.  I’m looking forward to doing songs in my comfort zone again.

Thursday was my Phil Stahl tour – Phil is king of the open mikes in the LV, Bucks and Berks county area, working most nights of the week, while holding down a local music show in Schnecksville.

I started out for Phil’s 5 pm show on WXLV for an hour set of music and chat.  We have had some mightly history between us and brought some long-gone memories.  The Sheiks opening for Ted Nugent in East Greenville in ’74 or so.  I played some of my newer tunes, a sneak preview of a kids song, something from Shake It!.  It was a lively interview, with philosophy of folk music, playing for kids and Alziemers’ disease, etc.  A treat.

I then was asked by Phil to do a feature set at Krocks’ Pub a few miles away at 8 pm.  I did some Ollies’ shopping (Big Lots, Job Lot… you know the place) and got to the bar and set up.  I did a set of music to Phil, Cindy and Bob, the other open mikers, and a bar of, well, bar people.  I’m simply glad I have another musical life.

CHristkindlmarkt tomorrow.

RockRoots had another opportunity to play for a special needs school in Plainfield, NJ.  It was a Catholic center for ES students and the kids were responsive, getting up and dancing and participating in a safe atmosphere.  I really like to turn to the teachers who work with these kids, and see them become players in the show, and ‘be real’ to their kids.

The lads in the band are so wonderful, and the audience really responds to the ‘liveness’ of the event.  Another small gig with big reach.

Back for my second gig at this bar/restaurant near Quakertown.  The folks were more prepared this week for opening up, as we are all adjusting to a new format.  I got there plenty early to set up, and got to watch the Eagles lose on TV before they opened the doors. 

 A smaller crowd today, but some nice surprises.  A grandmom fan had her grand daughter up from Delaware, and both ladies had a good time.  The boss’s kids hung out and played along.  His son saw me at his school, and plays guitar as well.  We’ll get together off stage next time.

The place has a mechanical bull, which is part of the package, with easy rides for the kids.  But, one lady got on, and went to town.  Apparently, she won a Harley at a competition at the bar in the past.  Phew….  I’m sorry, but girls can do this better than the guys.

I packed up and headed for the door, and the owner asked me if I had gotten paid.  There was a kerfuffle last week about pay/advertising/swap, so I came away with less than I had expected, but willing to compromise. I didn’t expect to get paid tonight, but the manager offered me some cash.  I was pleasantly surprised and grateful.

This bar biz is not something I’m used to, but welcome to the new economy.

It will build.

I picked up a gig from one of my Pottery Barn for Kids gigs on Long Island.  It’s been on the books for awhile, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be traveling from CT or PA for this one.  Seems it was a pleasant Saturday drive from Bethlehem, through NJ into NY.  I actually looked forward to the drive, now that it’s genetic.  …and I need the work monetarily and mentally.

It was held in a Greek Orthodox Church on Long Island for Alex (now 4), his friends, and his family.  A great mix of folks, including Georgia’s (the mom) grandmother, in classic black Greek attire.  Four generations….. cool.

Between balloon play, inflatable bounce tanks, pizza, adult chatter, family biz, et al, I gathered some folks for an acoustic session. They turned of the bounce generator, mercifully.  Still, outside of a few moms and daughters that stuck through the 35 minutes, folks socialized while I engaged those around me.  It was fun, enlightening, as always, and fluid, to say the least.  Alex and his dad took in the first half, and thanks to dad for making the connection, though he didn’t know what to make of live music.  Several young girls did, and made for some nice moments.  Hard work, though, and a long drive. 

It restored my spirit, though…  Paul Geremia at Godfrey’s tonight helped, too.

Back to El Toro Loco for my second Sunday gig near Quakertown.  I’m really working on making this a steady gig and I’m going through the ‘shaking out’ period with any bar gig.  I’m not used to returning to this bar/restaurant scene, having the majority of my work booked through schools, arts organizations, libraries, festivals, etc., with guaranteed pay, actual deposits and good pay checks.  But I like the artistic challenges, and I need the money. 

The club is enthused for some family entertainment, and it is a nice space to work in.  Let’s hope there’s financial stasis in the near future.

Welcome to the new economy….

I had the wonderful opportunity to view “Phil Ochs – There But for Fortune” film at Steel Stacks tonight.  I was invited to join a discussion group after the film with Ted Morgan, 60’s professor at Lehigh and Sonny Ochs, Phil’s older sister.  In fact, I sat next to her during the show. 

The film is a great documentary on Phil’s pointed music and words, but a reflection on the 60’s movements, and the part that folk music had in it.  Ultimately a tragic tale, with Phil’s manic depression and eventual suicide, it resonated with me in respect to the current #Occupy movement and the new political awareness evolving. 

I’m not sure why I was on the panel, but really appreciate the chance to partake in the event. 

Interesting gig on Sunday evening, starting a potential regular family restaurant series.  A steady gig is a steady gig.

El Toro Loco is along RT 309 above Quakertown, a mere 10 miles from home. The folks are attempting a family ‘event’ to go along with the step dancing, bull riding, country music, Tex-Mex food, oh, did I mention beer?

This is the first bar gig I’ve had in a long, long time.  Brings back some memories, especially at the end of the evening.  I got there at 4 pm for a 4:30 start.  One woman who was vacuuming let me in. Two people – me and m’lady. Scouted out my sound and space with rap on the bar speakers. Some staff drifted in and at 4:30 they opened the doors to an awaiting group of families. They were surprised, and had to hit the ground running.

I played a set of ‘listening’ music as folks settled in, ordered and fraternized.  It’s not show time for me, and that’s cool.  Nice way to be in the background, play well and start to connect. 

Did I mention the mechanical bull?  Oh, yes.  A mere cowpie toss away from me is a ‘corral’ with an inflatable mat and  Robo, the Bull.  A gent in a cowboy hat runs the cow, and instructs (through a microphone) the kids on how to ride and encourages them.  That’s cool.  So he started up, with dads, kids riding.  I got to play Pinto Pony during one of the ride.  (Gonna have to work up my cowboy stuff). 

Haven’t had to deal with this stuff since Allentown’s Castle Garden with Steppin’ Out!.  Those were amazing gigs.

Kids loosened up as they finished dinner and came over and joined in.  That’s the prime time for me, with lots of one on one with toddlers and older kids.  One 6th grade girl came with her dad, and requested (and joined in on) some of my ‘hits’ like Bear Hunt, etc.  I was surprised that a girl of her age wanted the kids stuff, but I’m actually honored that she holds those tunes close as she matures.  Powerful stuff.

The line dancing kicked in over in the cow palace area, so things thinned out at the end, but gave me a chance to play some more adult stuff.  One dad said, “Do you know any Little Feat kids’ songs?”  I replied, “At  this point, who cares?”  So Dixie Chicken became a egg-shaker song.  Good, too.

I packed up after a good time.  The bar folks fed me, and I had a beer, then I asked for my pay. 

Surprise, surprise (as Gomer Pyle would say), the manager said I had agreed to two free Sundays to balance out the increased advertising.  Boingggg….  This one snuck under the radar.  I settled for some cash, less than I had planned on, trying to honor my former self agreed to.  And I left with that ole bar gig feeling. 

This can be a good gig for me, and I’m now aware of the flow of the gig, what’s expected of me, and how I can expand on my playing in this laboratory.  And, I need the money, and the chance to play for kids. 

I made it back to Godfrey’s for the open mike, reconnected with friends and then packed it in. 

I look forward to next week’s El Toro gig, knowing the manager knows that I’m worth getting paid each week, and the staff knows to be ready.  ……cowboy tunes this week….

I traveled back through my old, old stomping grounds to Old Zionsville (a heartbeat away from Shimersville – as in Sheiks) to defend my title of Acoustic Performance winner last year.  I knew it’d be a steep climb, with new and talented folks taking it on, but I had a plan.  Break the mold and play something strong, and. perhaps less folkie.  Why not.

It was nice to catch up with so many folks, in so many amazing ways.  Old music friends like Steve Walker, Tom and Betty Druckenmiller, Jim Steager, Porter Shimer.  New friends like the LLM folks, Jason and Ansel, Peter Scapegrace and family, et al.  So many good folks with interesting life intersections – folk’s experiences at Godfrey’s, Rosalie’s third grade class mate now playing fine music, another young lady who shared an evening in Nazareth, etc.  Simply stumbling into communications with the past…..

The judges consisted of a jazz drummer, a newspaper music critic and an old-timey banjo/radio programmer.  Hmmm… what to play?  The banjo guy is a friend, the critic has problems with folk, and who knows about a jazz guy?

Jason and Ansel did a great set.  Runa, an Irish duo, were my favorites, and many wonderful moments of young folks, older vets taking chances.  Amazing to witness.  Steve did a Bethlehem Parking Authority song that hit really, really close to home.  Opera/country rock.  Genuine christian music. 

I opted for my strongest tune Smokin’ Babies, over a bunch of strong tunes – Bo Diddley and Vegetable Song. The process actually brought up a bunch of really strong tunes that I could have played.  I decided to go up in flames or, more appropriately, up in smoke, with an edgy, satiric song that kicks.  I played it well, and it sounded fat (from friends in the audience).  I gave it my best shot in front of an audience not used to challenge.  In a way, a statement to the rock critic. 

The evening (42 something songs) progressed and the magic continued.  The Best Song went to a new fellow Bill Buttner’s “You Don’t Know Nothing about Me” about street people, and Peter Scapegrace won Best Performance, which is well deserved.  He’s got a great voice, strong guitar and a wonderful three-year old daughter who flirted with me through out the second set.

I reflect on that I took an artistic chance, played well amongst a much more challenging array of musicians, and did my best.

The  kicker turns out to be, as I headed towards the green room, I was best upon by a gentleman involved with the LVMA’s, who said he was disgusted by my song, ‘Smokin’ Babies’, that any mention of children and cigarettes was plainly foul.  I was taken aback, but intrigued with his reaction.  I decide not to proceed with my definitions of “irony”, but kind of pleased with his visceral response.

It turned out differently than I had imagined.  But the experience was worth it.

I headed down to Third Street for the monthly First Friday at my favorite chocolate place.  Brian has great artisan chocolates, as well as his side line of cigar box guitars.  The real deal, for sure.

It’s an interesting gig, in that folks don’t come or stay for the music, though I play really well.  It’s more of a cruise the street event, and that’s fine.  I appreciate the chance to play for 2+ hours, work on material and play hard.  I really appreciate the chance and the money he pays me. 

Tomorrow is the Listen Live Acoustic competition, and I’m looking forward to doing my best song (of the moment). 

We have an annual gig at an intermediate school in Wall, NJ for just the 6th graders, two sets.  It’s a great age to play for, enthusiastic without being too enthusiastic or too cool.  The principal said it’s her favorite assembly, along with other 6th grade teachers.  ….and a kid stopped in while we were setting up who said he still remembers us from a previous year.

We had an 8:30 am first set (left at 5:30 am) in a nice tiered auditorium.  The set ended with the kids storming the floor in front of us, dancing and having a good time.  A large surprise to us and to the teachers.  No one got hurt, though some of the boys came close to moshing-out.  Always something different.

The second set was half of the first set, mellower, but good kids.  An active girl said she was a drummer, too, as she left.  Kevin said, “Girls rock!”  True. 

It’s strange to be done at 10:30 am.  Long drive back and a Tallarico’s gig tonight.

Looks like this Saturday’s show in North Haven has been scrubbed for Saturday night due to the foul weather headed our way.  We’ll try it again on Saturday, Nov. 19th at 7 pm. 

It’s strange to have so many cancellations in the folk music world (Godfrey’s, Listen Live, North Haven, just in my small orbit), especially when folks like me need the money, and this early in the fall.  Nature takes a whack at the workiing- class musician.

Sunday in the Vintage Open Mike at Godfrey’s with moi in charge.  Slim pickin’s.

YANJ / YAPA invited some YA artists to join other folks in an audition for libraries in the almost-Philly area.  It was wonderful experience, in many ways.  It was good to see fellow artists from Bethlehem, like storyteller Larry Sceurman, juggler Al Grout, along with folks I haven’t seen in awhile – Tuckers Tales Puppets, Cats Pajama’s, Two of a Kind, Minas, and several fine YA artists I’ve showcased with in NJ. 

The trick was to do a 5 minute showcase, with a timer up front.  Seems there was a lot of back and forth between the performers and the timer, which offered some levity but took away from some of the shows.  I also noticed how good the YANJ performers are at engaging the audience. 

The audience consisted of librarians, and they are easily entertained, artists that they are.  I decided to do ‘Giants’, and to do it without mikes, right out front.  “That’s why they call it acoustic,” I said.  I felt it was the best way to work the room, and it was a good call.  The crowd of artists and librarians responded wonderfully, and I actually finished it ahead of time, and used the remainder to explicate what I can do for them.  Got off stage.  Cool.

I distributed the sampler CD’s I had prepared for the folks, gave ’em away. We’ll see if some libraries take the bait.

It was nice to catch up with my fellow tradesfolk, and play for some new folks, too.  I felt good driving back to Bedlam…

I hope the librarians experience what I did for them and extrapolate to their own venues. 

This one’s in upper NJ near Mahwah, one of my favorite NJ town names.  It was a 300 kid audience of K – 3rd graders, and it was fun.  John Sanfillippo sat in for Kevin on the drums and he’s getting comfortable with the show.  Definitely ‘fall’ in the air, and it was good to do the show.  Four hours on the road, though.

I had a wonderful time at the Hotel Bethlehem this morning, part of gathering some very specialized folks who actively tend to our history.  My life-long interest in folk music dove-tailed nicely with their curiosity and knowledge of our society’s past.  This Lehigh Valley conference brought out our beer, Martin Guitar, Moravians and more, so it was an honor to be considered amongst these folk.

I was originally scheduled to present along with the Philly Folksong Society (and Festival), so I was in awe of their history and looked forward to that input.  As it turned out, the presenter couldn’t make for family reasons, so one of the conference’s staff, Gregg Kimball, presented a wonderful alternative – his work with a folk festival in Virginia from the 1930’s.  He had archives of old-time fiddlers, program books and some great music, as well.  He played a old, old version of Ground Hog, had pictures of Eleanor Roosevelt and talked about her support for the festival, some festival sponsors like the KKK, the effort for the ‘purity’ of Appalachian music (i.e., white) by some of the early board members, ‘authentic’ folk music played by recorded and professional musicians.  How some things never change…..

I started with a slice of my recorded version of Ground Hog.  Nice dove tail.  And I figured we should all sing together on principal as well, so I followed with Green Green Rocky Road.  It was a good way to engage. 

I had a nice PowerPoint presentation ready, and it was the wrong font for the computer there.  So much for my slick presentation.  But we weny on, and I had presented GD calenders, Gene Mater caricatures, live photos, including Elizabeth Corrigan from the early years, Stan and Garnet Rogers, Martin Carthy, Norman Blake and a fresh one of Mark Wenner from this past Saturday night.  I talked about GD’s Live at Godfrey’s radio show, and efforts to update our archives efforts.

I ended with a slide of Brenda Brown’s GD quilt, with John Gorka’s ‘Legends’ song embroidered on it.  I then played the song live on my GD Martin guitar, and finished with the story of Utah Phillip’s signing the tag on the inside of the guitar.

I had approached Bruce Phillips at the Philly Folk Fest to thank him for signing the guitars, and he said, “Dave, I signed one of them ‘Eleanor Roosevelt'” and that’s the one I was playing.  It brought things around quite neatly, and made for a satisfying workshop.

I’ve been playing for these folks at Strong House, an elder daycare center in Madison for years, and they are wonderfully supportive and instructive as well.  I’ve learned that these folks love to sing along, so they’ve led me to learn and play songs outside my repetoire. 

It’s a variety of abilities, but the main things is that they have the spirit to get out and experience life.  And that counts for a lot in my book.  That’s why I can play my kids stuff, mandolin tunes and swing stuff for them and they appreciate the live music. 

I always come away energized.  Good thing cause I had to drive through Friday traffic in CT, NY, NJ and PA to get back to B’town.

I’ve been staying at Ron Anthony’s between CT gigs – real oatmeal in the mornings – thanks, Susan – and the lads scheduled a kitchen jam for Thursday night.  It’s always a mix of friends, cool instruments and fine playing.  At one point we had 5 Martins roaring at the same time, including a lefty 7-string Martin (don’t pass the guitars around tonight…), two D-45’s, and my Macheche.  My tiny guitar drowned them out, and the lads commented that it was my banging ‘technique’ that makes the difference.  Neighbor Pete Prizzi was in da house, Ron, Denny (on acoustic bass and occasional guitar), Bill Morrell (da lefty), Scott on the dobro, and Frank Pergola on mando and guitar. 

I got a good chance to bring out my banjo and mandolin and noodle behind some country tunes.  Everly Bros. early on, some Paul Siebel from me, Ron’s originals, Beatles (of course), and Scott proved to be a big surprise on dobro.  Nice player who knows when to listen first.  Whoa!

We ordered pizza from the Northford pizzaria, and the young delivery dude brought it in, and I said, “You gotta play a song first….”  And he did.  He took Ron’s guitar, sat on the stool, and played some of a neat pop song, dropped the pick in the guitar.  I said, “That’s your tip, and you have to get it out with your tongue.”  He got a big tip from us all, and was great moment.

Friends playing music for each other and with each other.  That’s pretty deep connections.  Great mutual respect, bawdy humor, tales from the road.  Seems the Nutmeg Ramblers has become a CT phenomenon now.  Cool.

good for the soul.

I had a fine, yet challenging 5 pm gig at the Levi Coe Library in rural CT, not far from my old home grounds.  It was booked as a family blanket concert in the new Lucia Ginter children’s library.  Lucia was a librarian for this rural library for 30 years, and, as I found out, taught piano afterwards. 

The space was in warm greens, with open bins of books at kid level (instead of in shelves), new play rug and some great librarians, volunteers and mixed audience of families, library patrons and some ‘odd’ sorts. 

It was a tough situation in some respects.  Some folks brought food (which was encouraged) so sing-alongs were strained early on.  And chatter developed towards the end amongst the adults in the back.  (It’s the old put the kids in front of the TV attitude). The children’s librarian backed me up on that one.

There were several older folks (un-family age, I guessed) who actually were engaged and entertained.  I was curious so I approached the one elderly gentleman, and said I appreciated he got involved.  He then told me he was the husband of Lucia, and he had a real good time.  Lucia’s son was there as well.  It made the evening much more special.

These connections run deep, and music brings it out.