Saturday, October 31, 2009
Fabulous Peter Szog show + solid turnout for Parker Library's Live Local Music Series DESPITE crappy weather
This first vid from last night's Live Local Music Series installment, featuring classical guitarist Peter Szog, is just a short clip from my favorite song he did last night, Tchaikovsky's Arabian Dance.
The second vid, at the very bottom, is just to show my superiors what a solid turnout we had!
Thanks goes to Peter Szog for a strong performance and to the Parker Cultural Commission for giving us the downright snazzy + spacious auditorium at Parker Mainstreet Center as a venue while Parker Library proper, where the series usually holds court, finishes up a face-lift, and a shout-out to my BFF Rick Thompson for helping out with this show as well as to a comrade, Parker Library's resident techie and our myspace.com/colorado_music gal Linda Vincent, for turning out to the performance. Ms. Linda has come to three or four shows in the series, mostly because she likes the music we feature but also to show support for the library and what we're trying to do with local music.
I was pleased with the turnout last night considering the weather -- the library proper had been closed for the previous two days, and I considered pushing for us to cancel this performance as I was worried about extremely low turnout. One thing that we had working for us, however, was that folks had been stuck indoors for a couple of days and really wanted to get out, sucky roads or not.
While I'd like to see the library overrun with 300 fans of local music at any one event, this is designed to be an "intimate" series, and we realistically want to try and average 50 people or more -- we're averaging a bit less right now, so that's something we're looking at in terms of choice of genres and in terms of targeted marketing.
Last night's attendance was 51. Top turnout was for the old-school bluegrass band Kantankerous -- I stopped trying to count after 107 when they played at the library proper.
The worst turnout was for hip-hop, but we'd be willing to take a look at that genre again. Maybe FOE on a Friday or Saturday evening at a venue such as the Parker Mainstreet Center, where we had Szog? I'll have to sell that one -- and talk FOE into doing it -- but I think it would be FAB!
The second lowest was for a specific folk artist (she's actually fabulous, there were a number of things working against that show) -- I can't say folk because we've done OK with folk before -- and then lowest above that was death metal, if I remember correctly.
The second highest, if I remember correctly, is about a tie between Angie Stevens (local queen of Americana / alt-country scene) and the classical duo of Susan Townsend on flute and Don Hilsberg on harp. Jazz also does great. Classic rock cover bands such as Velocity Rocks -- a definite yes. Joe Fornothin' -- let's just say they are up there at the top in attendance for reasons much more than just the rock/alternative genre they serve up. There's raw talent and a big fan base to consider in that recipe.
Alternative as a genre on its own merit averages about 40 on average. Folk for some reason does so-so. (Maybe 20 or higher with the exception of the five that turned out for the one I mentioned above).
The next gig -- on Dec. 11 -- is with the two young ladies who make up Falling to Fly, who you are definitely going to want to catch on their way up, before their first Grammy.
For the next leg, January to May -- there is a possibility of one or more summer shows next year if we do especially well from January to May -- I am especially fond of the possibility we may be able to kidnap country act Jones & Raine from Highlands Ranch; they garner a lot of praise and radio play and would most definitely be up there with Kantankerous in terms of attendance if I get them to commit to our series. The bigger the act the more likely they might be on tour or whatnot. That's true of Jones & Raine and the indie solo act who I would give my left arm to have play for us but who also is very, very busy and next to impossible to schedule: Kyle Galanaugh!!
Stay tuned, cowgirls and cowboys!
(Here's the second video, which is just to show the good turnout despite the weather. It is a bit dark, so you can't really tell, but for the first time ever I ran out of feedback forms. I only printed 30 because I thought we would be lucky to have 10 people turn out!!)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
If you have free time 2nite!
Can you tell I'm on Twitter just a bit too much?Now about @JohnCommon playing 2nite at the Walnut Room (BTW, in other news, Bemused is opening tonight for The Guilt Complex -- with Jason Vigil and the Gristle Gals -- at Casselman's.
Here's the deets from John Common, who is just a fun writer overall ...
I'm playing a tres cool show ... Oct. 22 ... at the inestimably great-sounding Walnut Room. I will be playing the show with the lovely Jess DeNicola and the beguiling Dave Preston. How's that for a power trio? Also playing that night: Liz Clark, Tessa Perry and Melanie Susuras. Not to turn this into a gender thing, but I just realized I'll be the sole male songwriter of the night. Hmmm ... Interesting.
"Fear not, it's an early show--you will get your beauty rest. Not that you need it.
Will you come? Say yes.
Here are the DETAILS of the show and a way to buy TICKETS for you and
your date:
http://www.thewalnutroom.com/show/detail/23996#tickets
I've been reading Emerson lately ...
John
johncommon.com
twitter.com/johncommon
facebook.com/jcommon
myspace.com/johncommon
hitrecordandplay.blogspot.com
P.S. We're looking for graphic artists to collaborate with on band merch. Here's the idea, delivered by yours truly. And yes, that's the best shark I know how to draw:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF_wabxGEIQ
====================
Other Upcoming John Common gigs:
====================
8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5: Meadowlark
John Common with LSW, Joseph Pope III and Jesse Torrisi
$6
Saturday, Dec. 12: Curious Theatre
John Common & Blinding Flashes of Light Denver CD Release for Beautiful Empty
Details coming. Save the date!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
FREE Kyle Galanaugh show this Monday ...
Here's the skinny on Kyle Galanaugh. It has been a while since he has shown his face because he has been writing more than EVER. He will finally be playing these new songs live at a FREE all-ages show -- with comp ticket -- this Monday, Oct. 26, at the Soiled Dove Underground."I have the pleasure of sharing the stage with Red Cortez," says Galanaugh.
You must email him at kylegalanaugh@hotmail.com -- better yet, join his mailing list and then email him -- to get the fre tickets. Otherwise there is a charge at the door.
The details:
Soiled Dove Underground
7401 E. 1st Ave.
Denver (Lowery)
Monday 10/26
7pm
Cost: Free with comp ticket
All Ages
Kyle: "Looking forward to seeing you all."
www.kylegalanaugh.com
www.myspace.com/kylegalanaughmusic
Monday, October 19, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Oh and Jeanie got a shout-out from Saints
Oh my. Did I not tell you how very much I LOVE Saints? Well, words on paper paid off about mid-month when I received a shout-out via the Saints fan list:"It's the middle of September and in Denver it's raining like it was Glasgow in July. What's going on? Since the last time of writing, we have had some lovely press by some lovely people and it feels nice to be recognized by music types. You can see some clippings at the bottom of this page. Thanks to Jeanie Straub in particular ... holy shit!!"
[Note: It isn't lost on me that they might actually be making fun of me because all the other music writers knew a lot more about Brit pop than I did. I just loved the music. I didn't even know it was Brit pop.]
More news from Saints via fan list:
"We will be out playing in November for sure, so we will definitely let you all know when and where as soon as we know."
BTW you can follow Saints on Twitter at saintstheband -- on myspace they're at http://www.myspace.com/saintstheband.
PRESS CLIPPINGS
"'Colorado,' a tribute to the Gaults' adopted home whose sincerity more than compensates for its sentimentality. While Saints' success at striking this balance comes across as extremely natural, it's tougher than it seems. After all, if it were simple, everyone could do it." Michael Roberts, Westword
"This EP should be all over KTCL and the rest of the world, what with the outstanding guitar riffs and Rob Gault’s fabulous voice, the obvious talent pooled instrumentally in regards to composition and melody, coupled with rare polish and true originality." Jeanie Straub, Colorado Music Buzz
"(Saints) is currently working its way into the scene from the outer reaches. The strength of Saints' vibrant, earnest Brit pop should ensure that it's a short trip." Dave Hererra, Westword
Slow news day, Jeanie's Friday + BEMUSED ...
It is a slow news day -- it is also my Friday -- so I'm just going to turn the floor over to the folks over at Bemused ... From: Bemused Booking
Subject: CD + Show review consideration and coverage
Date: Monday, 28 September 2009 19:48:54 0600
To: [Local Music at Parker Library via Jeanie's CMB email]
Hello!
We are a new local band in Denver called BEMUSED ... and we just recorded an EP, "Departed Ones," which we have been supporting by playing myriad shows around town.
We actually just had our disc reviewed in Westword ...
We would also like to have one of our live shows considered for coverage and review as well.
A few different places that we have played previously are the "Hi-Dive," "Quixotes," and the University of Denver.
Listed below [is] our up-coming show:
10/14 -- 8:30 p.m.
Hermans Hideaway
Denver 80210
We would love to have you come check us out and see what we're all about live, too!
Ciao!
Christian Seith + BEMUSED
[Telephone number omitted for obvious reasons!]
www.MySpace.com/BemusedDenver
Angie Stevens news ...
We don't mean to seem all like, well, you know, like we're all attached to Angie or whatever. We do think she is a princess and that she totally rocks. She is our favorite child of Local Music. We have all her albums and a big-ass signed poster in our living room and whatnot ...OK. Get on with it, Man! We like her, OK? Move on!
Whew! OK. Onward: Here's the latest news and some dates, straight from Angie's feed -- with some screenshots from fav Angie youtube clips!
"I just got back from the Americana Music Conference in Nashville. It was an awesome experience -- I learned a ton and got to see and even meet some of my Americana heroes. I even sat in with RCPM, which is always an honor and a blessing. I can't wait to go back next year and hopefully play it with my band as well ...
"I couldn't be more excited about playing Swallow Hill, Daniels Hall, on Friday, October 2nd. It will be my first time playing the big room. We'll have some special guests [making] appearances throughout the night, and this time there will be two additional artists on the bill that I am honored to be playing with: Catherine MacLellan and David Berkeley. Both of them have gotten a ton of national attention and I've been listening to them nonstop. Check them out for yourself! This is going to be a great evening so be sure to get your tickets now!
http://www.davidberkeley.com/
http://www.catherinemaclellan.com/
"In November, I will be joining Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers on tour. The dates are being finalized now, so keep an eye on the calendar, and we'll send out an update soon! Here's a clip of me and Roger singing "Green and Dumb": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hftu6_ZhGKM
"ALSO: a big thank you to everyone that came to our shows over the busy summer. We had so much fun and can't wait to see you at the fall/winter shows! Listen and Feel baby!"
Upcoming Angie shows ...
10/02/2009 ... 8 p.m.
Swallow Hill: Daniels Hall
71 East Yale Avenue
Denver 80210
(303) 777-1003
**** Midwest Tour with Jen Korte ****
10/09/2009
Copper Cup
725 W. Main St
Cherokee, Iowa
10/10/2009
NE Palace
2500 4th St NE
Minneapolis, Minn.
10/11/2009
Ecce Yoga Studio
216 Broadway
Fargo, North Dakota
10/12/2009
Venue TBA
Rapid City, South Dakota
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