Showing posts with label acoustic music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acoustic music. Show all posts
Friday, January 3, 2020
Monday, March 4, 2019
Bay Station Love the Bay 2019: Episode Two featuring Yours Truly, Michele
Bay Station welcomes chanteuse and drummer Yours Truly, Michele aka Michele Kappel to the sailboat Espresso, for an afternoon conversation and concert on the Oakland Estuary of San Francisco Bay.
Friday, May 25, 2018
Love the Bay v.2
Bay Station has sail from Alameda on our second Love the Bay multi-day sailing trip/tour of the San Francisco Bay. Follow along on Facebook and/ Instagram this Memorial Day Weekend for live broadcasts from our various ports of call.
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Thursday, June 29, 2017
Deborah Crooks "Record of a Day" (Pint of Soul Video)
Back in January, I spent an afternoon shooting a couple videos with Pint of Soul at Amado's in San Francisco. This live version of"Record of a Day" (from the Beauty Everywhere CD) features Art Khu on piano, Kwame Copeland on guitar, and Kim Xuan Nguyen on bass. Enjoy!
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Songwriter Showcase at The Octopus Literary Salon - June 21 in Oakland
Nothing like hopscotching across the country over the past couple weeks to appreciate the Bay Area and all it's amazingness that much more. I love travel and I love the return ...and I love love love that I'm sharing a show with three FABULOUS SF Bay-based songwriters - Aireene Espiritu, Claudia Russel and Paige Clem- next Wednesday June 21 at The Octopus Literary Salon in Oakland. These women are all on fire creatively (and there will likely be a special guest or two sitting in). Mark your calendars and join us.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Hot Water Sessions/ #FolkFightsBack Benefit for Women in San Francisc May 18
Tomorrow, Thursday, May 18, The Hot Water Sessions 2017 travel to San Francisco, for a Hot Water/#FolkFightsBack for Women benefit performance at The Lost Church at 8pm (doors 7:30pm).
Today is the last day to get adv. ticket prices - only $10. Jump in!
Tickets at http://ticketf.ly/2ncnT8L
Seating at The Lost Church is first come, first served. We recommend you buy in advance to ensure being a part of the event (parlor shows often sell out), but you can also try purchasing at the door on the night of the show.
Online sales are active until 9:30pm the night of show (unless sold out). You can purchase tickets right at the door using a card via your phone and the above Ticketfly.com link. That old-fashioned cash is also accepted, of course.
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Folk Fights Back is a musician led organization that seeks to raise money and awareness for critical issues during the Trump presidency.
Today is the last day to get adv. ticket prices - only $10. Jump in!
Tickets at http://ticketf.ly/2ncnT8L
What are the Hot Water Sessions?
It's a luxurious soak in the sultry sounds of Americana brought to you by the combined forces of songwriters and sirens Aireene Espiritu, Deborah Crooks, and Yours Truly, Michele and features mighty man friend Kwame Copeland.
"Folk singer-songwriter Aireene Espiritu works in the elemental substance of vernacular American music with an uncanny ease. Whether blues, hillbilly, soul, folk or R&B...[she] demonstrates masterly command of each."- Jonny Whiteside, Los Angeles Times
"California songwriter Deborah Crooks’ is simply too original to be a singer who will be known as someone who sings like…like no one. She changes gears seamlessly and in regards to Lucinda [Williams], Deborah may have a wider pallet of styles than even Lucinda." - John Apice, No Depression
"She’s a celebration. No matter your mood, you’ll walk away with a smile. It’s cheaper than therapy." Tony DuShane, San Francisco Chronicle
With a sound infused with 60s pop, shadowy torch songs, and touched by by Americana Roots-Rock, it is truly Michele Kappel’s own brand of music.
Seating at The Lost Church is first come, first served. We recommend you buy in advance to ensure being a part of the event (parlor shows often sell out), but you can also try purchasing at the door on the night of the show.
Online sales are active until 9:30pm the night of show (unless sold out). You can purchase tickets right at the door using a card via your phone and the above Ticketfly.com link. That old-fashioned cash is also accepted, of course.
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Folk Fights Back is a musician led organization that seeks to raise money and awareness for critical issues during the Trump presidency.
Monday, April 17, 2017
Hot Water Tour 2017: Soak in the Sounds of Sultry Americana withAireene Espiritu, Deborah Crooks and "Yours Truly, Michele"
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| Poster design by "Nemo" |
Excited about the "Hot Water Sessions" I'm doing with Aireene Espiritu and Yours Truly, Michele in May! Join us in some great venues in Niles, San Francisco, Suisun City and/or Alameda:
Hot Water Sessions 2017 Kick-Off Party at
The Mudpuddle Shop
Donations welcomed. Limited seating, RSVP https://www.facebook.com/events/1860826930831504/
Hot Water Sessions @
$10 advance/ $15 day of show. A #FolkFightsBack Benefit event! Advance tickets recommended: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1459109
Hot Water Sessions @
$20 RSVP to boatysattva @gmail.com
Barkissimo is located in the heart of downtown Suisun City, across the grand plaza from Main Street. Bring a home made dish to share with the community.
Hot Water Sessions @
Donations welcomed. In the beer garden.
Hot Water Sessions @
A Private House Concert
ALAMEDA, CA
$20. Limited seating, RSVP to baystationband@gmail.com
More about the artists:
Aireene Espiritu
"Folk singer-songwriter Aireene Espiritu works in the elemental substance of vernacular American music with an uncanny ease. Whether blues, hillbilly, soul, folk or R&B...[she] demonstrates masterly command of each."- Jonny Whiteside, Los Angeles Times
Deborah Crooks
"California songwriter Deborah Crooks’ is simply too original to be a singer who will be known as someone who sings like…like no one. She changes gears seamlessly and in regards to Lucinda [Williams], Deborah may have a wider pallet of styles than even Lucinda." - John Apice, No Depression
Yours Truly, Michele http://michelekappelstone.com/
"She’s a celebration. No matter your mood, you’ll walk away with a smile. It’s cheaper than therapy." Tony DuShane, San Francisco Chronicle
With a sound infused with 60s pop, shadowy torch songs, and touched by by Americana Roots-Rock, it is truly Michele Kappel’s own brand of music.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Watch: Deborah Crooks | Brand New Video for "Wishing Tree" - Pint of Soul
"A wish tree is an individual tree, usually distinguished by species, position or appearance, which is used as an object of wishes and offerings. Such trees are identified as possessing a special religious or spiritual value. By tradition, believers make votive offerings in order to gain from that nature spirit, saint or goddess fulfillment of a wish."
"Wishing Tree" is part autobiography and part wish for everyone to breakthrough oppression, be happy and free.
Shot by Pint of Soul at Amado's in San Francisco in January, the song features Art Khu on piano, Kwame Copeland on dobro, and Kim Xuan Nguyen on bass. Let me know what you think, and please share!
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Songwriters in the Round at The Octopus Salon Dec. 21 w/Alex Walsh, Briget Boyle, Steve Waters & Deborah Crooks
Now, more than ever, I'm feeling its that much more important to gather to listen and to share. If we artists are doing our job right, our work will tap into, reflect and express all that it means to be human. Hopefully we'll build a bit more connection and understanding between all, and transcend some of our differences. Toward that lofty goal, I'm hosting another round of songwriters at the Octopus Literary Salon in Oakland this month. I'll hope you'll join me, along with Alex Walsh, Briget Boyle and Steve Waters, for an evening of song sharing.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 7pm
Songwriters in the Round at The Octopus Literary Salon
2101 Webster Street
Oakland, CA The Octopus is close to 19th St BART. $5-10 suggested, all ages.
2101 Webster Street
Oakland, CA The Octopus is close to 19th St BART. $5-10 suggested, all ages.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Saturday: KCDC at The Bazaar Cafe
Saturday, August 8th, 2015
Bazaar Cafe
KCDC Acoustic w/Alex Walsh 7pm-9pm
5927 California St San Francisco, CA 94114
Once upon a time, many years ago ago, I made a weekly visit to The Bazaar Cafe in the Richmond, where songwriters gathered (and still gather) to play their latest songs at the Open Mic. It was a nerve-wracking experience, playing in front of the other songwriters, kind of like an unofficial adult school of songwriting. Plus the Bazaar is unplugged, and acoustic. No PA, no microphone, no nada. I often broke out into cold sweats before and after, but somehow, over time, I got better at holding it together to play my songs in front of people, and a I met some long-term friends.
A very large percentage of Bay Area songwriters have come through its unassuming doors to play and listen over the years. It has a living room feel and at this point, it would be very interesting to hear what its walls would say if they could talk.
We still play there once or twice a year, and this weekend, we're up, offering an all-acoustic set of KCDC songs from our "Your Own Reaction" CD and new material for our next one. Alex Walsh joins us for a set and to play guitar and we'll have Andrew Gibson on bass. Plus...there's pie!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
New Acoustic Music Series debuts May 3 @ Island Yoga in Alameda
New Acoustic Music at Island Yoga
A "chamber concert" series for acoustic music performance from popular idioms to classical. The NAM series seeks a focused atmosphere, similar to a classical concert. Totally unplugged original music in a serene setting. The 2015 schedule runs May - Nov with performances on the 1st Sunday of each concert-month. Island Yoga supports this goal as a sensitive, resonant, space where performers can showcase their most personal work.
All shows are 45 minutes total length: starting at 4:15pm, ending at 5:00pm
Ticket price is $10 at door / $11 advance via PayPal
Concert performance is at the 2nd floor studio of Island Yoga, 911 Central Ave, Alameda. There is no wheelchair access. http://www.jom-songs.com/NAM_series
Monday, March 30, 2015
Songwriterly Abundance: New Music Here for the Listening
As
you can guess from this photo, the Songs from the Fog CD Showcase at
Doc's Lab was super fun for we performers. Eight of the 9 featured
songwriters performed and I can't say enough about how stellar the folks
on this compilation are. Thanks again to the leaders of this latest
songwriting expedition, Maurice Tani and Jim Bruno. If you didn't get a
Songs From the Fog CD at the show, you can pick one up at any one of our
gigs, or write me [deborahrcrooks@gmail.com] for more info.
As
you can guess from this photo, the Songs from the Fog CD Showcase at
Doc's Lab was super fun for we performers. Eight of the 9 featured
songwriters performed and I can't say enough about how stellar the folks
on this compilation are. Thanks again to the leaders of this latest
songwriting expedition, Maurice Tani and Jim Bruno. If you didn't get a
Songs From the Fog CD at the show, you can pick one up at any one of our
gigs, or write me [deborahrcrooks@gmail.com] for more info.
As you can guess from this photo, the Songs from the Fog CD Showcase
at Doc's Lab was super fun for we performers. Eight of the 9 featured
songwriters performed and I can't say enough about how stellar the folks
on this compilation are. Thanks again to the leaders of this latest
songwriting expedition, Maurice Tani and Jim Bruno. If you didn't get a Songs From the Fog CD at the show, you can pick one up at any one of our gigs, or write me [deborahrcrooks@gmail.com] for more info.
As you can guess from this photo, the Songs from the Fog CD Showcase
at Doc's Lab was super fun for we performers. Eight of the 9 featured
songwriters performed and I can't say enough about how stellar the folks
on this compilation are. Thanks again to the leaders of this latest
songwriting expedition, Maurice Tani and Jim Bruno. If you didn't get a Songs From the Fog CD at the show, you can pick one up at any one of our gigs, or write me [deborahrcrooks@gmail.com] for more info.
As you can guess from this photo, the Songs from the Fog CD Showcase at Doc's Lab was super fun for we performers. Eight of the 9 featured songwriters played and I can't say enough about how stellar the folks on this compilation are. Thanks again to the leaders of this latest songwriting expedition, Maurice Tani and Jim Bruno. If you didn't get a Songs From the Fog CD at the show, you can pick one up at any one of our gigs, or write me [deborahrcrooks@gmail.com] for more info.
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| Songs from the Fog artists: l to r, Carol Denney, Bruce Kaplan, Claudia Russel, Keller Sisters, Paul Griffiths, Michael Schaffer, Mike Anderson, Deborah Crooks, Kwame Copeland, Maurice Tani, Jim Bruno |
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| Alameda Songwriters Roundup: Ted Nunes, Sara Rodenburg, Della Lupa, Kev Minney, Deborah Crooks, Adrian West |
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| Kwame Copeland & Deborah Crooks |
Between those two events, another local songwriter friend, Lisa Graciano, invited us to play her monthly Artis Coffee Music Series. This hip Berkeley coffee shop 'live roasts' its coffee and provided a pleasant backdrop for an afternoon set. Live music, live coffee, why not!
Monday, January 19, 2015
Songwriter Linda McRae Smooths Life's Roughest Edges with Song
As became evident upon further inquiry, McRae wasn't just a stellar artist, she was also a stellar person, both continually creating and giving back. McRae went solo in 1996, after a decade spent with the popular Canadian folk band, Spirit of the West, and has since released five CDs of her own work. Routinely charting in the top-10, performing in festivals throughout North America, she's collaborated, recorded and performed alongside a whose who of roots-based artists including Gurf Morlix, Neko Case and Bruce Cockburn. And the alliance with New Folsom led she and her husband, James Whitmire to start Express Yourself Writing Workshops for other disenfranchised communities in 2011, adding to an already full touring and recording schedule while further fueling her creativity.
Amid a month-long Escape to Create! residency in Florida that she was deservedly rewarded, McRae answered my questions about her work as an artist and teacher and all she'll be up to in 2015.
Q: Tell us about your upcoming year: Are you playing anywhere new? Any key dates or projects you're especially excited about
LM: 2015 is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year. I’ll be touring all over North America in support of my new recording being released September 15th on my new label Borealis Records. I’m really excited to be working with Borealis. They have been incredibly supportive, and their promotional team was instrumental in my career retrospective, Fifty Shades of Red, hitting some “best of” lists for 2014. It was also # 5 Top Canadian Album on the Folk DJ Charts.
The label is currently working directly with my manager/agent/collaborator and husband (not necessarily in that order) James Whitmire on an October/November North American CD Release tour in support of the new recording. Those dates will be announced in the coming months. I also have a number of festivals I will be performing at this year including Artswells in BC where I will also be teaching a week-long songwriting course. Other festivals include South Country Fair in Alberta where I was made the honorary mayor last year, and a new festival in Ontario called the Kingsville Folk Music Festival. I’ve also just been asked to perform for the first time at Winterfolk in Toronto this Feb. 13-15/2015.
Q: Is this a first-time residency for you at Escape 2 Create? Do you have a 'typical' writing process? Will you be writing material for the new recording on retreat?
LM: The bulk of the material has already been written but there will definitely be some additions as a result of my Escape 2 Create residency. I guess my typical writing process usually involves juggling half a dozen things at the same time, i.e. touring, daily household activities, social networking, publicizing my performances, etc. which in itself is a full-time job. It is an incredible luxury for me to have an entire month in which to write new material and I am relishing every second of my time here.
Escape 2 Create choses twelve interdisciplinary artists though a rigorous juried application process each year, six in January and six in February. Each artist’s private residence is donated by local Seaside, FL, community members and is tailored to each artist’s requirements. This is my first residency and having been chosen to participate has given me a sense of validation. I am also enjoying the fellowship and inspiration I am receiving from my fellow artists and the residents of Seaside. I have already finished four songs in the week I have been here.
LM: The bulk of the material has already been written but there will definitely be some additions as a result of my Escape 2 Create residency. I guess my typical writing process usually involves juggling half a dozen things at the same time, i.e. touring, daily household activities, social networking, publicizing my performances, etc. which in itself is a full-time job. It is an incredible luxury for me to have an entire month in which to write new material and I am relishing every second of my time here.
Escape 2 Create choses twelve interdisciplinary artists though a rigorous juried application process each year, six in January and six in February. Each artist’s private residence is donated by local Seaside, FL, community members and is tailored to each artist’s requirements. This is my first residency and having been chosen to participate has given me a sense of validation. I am also enjoying the fellowship and inspiration I am receiving from my fellow artists and the residents of Seaside. I have already finished four songs in the week I have been here.
Q: How do you know when you're ready to go back into the studio? You've worked with a lot of great producers: whose on deck for this next project? Any new sounds you'll be exploring or would like to?
LM: I guess I know when I’m ready to go back into the studio when I have at least 15 songs that I feel are really strong. I usually like to record 12-15 and then put 10 or so on the finished release. I feel I have grown as a performing songwriter and each recording I think has illustrated that. Having the added perspective of collaborating with my husband and other co-writers has definitely helped me grow as a songwriter as well. Recording starts right after I finish my residency here. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as I will have plenty of time here to get to know the songs inside and out. I like to have them in my head and under my fingers before I record them.
I have been fortunate when it comes to working with producers and great musicians. I’ve had wonderful experiences recording with each producer I have worked with, Colin Linden, Gurf Morlix and Marc L’Esperance. Each of them brought something new to the table and I am confident this one will continue in that same vein.
This time, I’ve decided to work with my old friend, and award-winning producer and guitarist, Steve Dawson. I am really excited to be working with Steve on this project. We started pre-production before I left for my residency and he had some terrific arrangement ideas. We also did some co-writing together, and it just so happens one or two of those co-writes will be on the new CD.
I’ve become really interested in acoustic blues styles and as he is well-acquainted with the idiom he’s a natural choice. I’m hoping to achieve a raw sound on this recording with real deep grooves you can drive a truck through. For me, it’s all about the groove. If the groove isn’t there you have nothing to build on. Start from the bottom up and away you go. I like to keep things pretty spare as well without a lot of unnecessary frills to clog things up. He’s a master and I know it’s going to be great.
LM: I guess I know when I’m ready to go back into the studio when I have at least 15 songs that I feel are really strong. I usually like to record 12-15 and then put 10 or so on the finished release. I feel I have grown as a performing songwriter and each recording I think has illustrated that. Having the added perspective of collaborating with my husband and other co-writers has definitely helped me grow as a songwriter as well. Recording starts right after I finish my residency here. The timing couldn’t be more perfect as I will have plenty of time here to get to know the songs inside and out. I like to have them in my head and under my fingers before I record them.
I have been fortunate when it comes to working with producers and great musicians. I’ve had wonderful experiences recording with each producer I have worked with, Colin Linden, Gurf Morlix and Marc L’Esperance. Each of them brought something new to the table and I am confident this one will continue in that same vein.
This time, I’ve decided to work with my old friend, and award-winning producer and guitarist, Steve Dawson. I am really excited to be working with Steve on this project. We started pre-production before I left for my residency and he had some terrific arrangement ideas. We also did some co-writing together, and it just so happens one or two of those co-writes will be on the new CD.
I’ve become really interested in acoustic blues styles and as he is well-acquainted with the idiom he’s a natural choice. I’m hoping to achieve a raw sound on this recording with real deep grooves you can drive a truck through. For me, it’s all about the groove. If the groove isn’t there you have nothing to build on. Start from the bottom up and away you go. I like to keep things pretty spare as well without a lot of unnecessary frills to clog things up. He’s a master and I know it’s going to be great.
Q: You're a songwriter and writing facilitator/teacher. Can you discuss how you started Express Yourself Writing Workshops and how teaching/facilitating informs your own work?
LM: The idea for our writing workshop came from our involvement in the Arts and Corrections Program at California’s New Folsom Prison. My husband James and I were there for the first time in the fall of 2011, and we were so moved by the response to our visit that we decided to carry it through further with a focus on disenfranchised members of the communities I perform in. It has turned out to be a life-changing experience. In the past three years since our first visit to Folsom we have worked with approximately 1000 individuals in at-risk youth community facilities and correctional facilities. We have also worked with people in detox centers, veteran’s hospitals, and various adult correctional facilities with both male and female inmates. Our experiences talking and working with everyone involved has definitely had an influence on my writing. My new CD will include songs written as a direct result of some of these experiences, including a song I wrote with a New Folsom inmate who is serving life without parole. His name is Ken Blackburn and he is 73 years old. I think it is one of the best songs I have ever had the opportunity to be part of. Ken wrote the lyric and I wrote the music.
LM: The idea for our writing workshop came from our involvement in the Arts and Corrections Program at California’s New Folsom Prison. My husband James and I were there for the first time in the fall of 2011, and we were so moved by the response to our visit that we decided to carry it through further with a focus on disenfranchised members of the communities I perform in. It has turned out to be a life-changing experience. In the past three years since our first visit to Folsom we have worked with approximately 1000 individuals in at-risk youth community facilities and correctional facilities. We have also worked with people in detox centers, veteran’s hospitals, and various adult correctional facilities with both male and female inmates. Our experiences talking and working with everyone involved has definitely had an influence on my writing. My new CD will include songs written as a direct result of some of these experiences, including a song I wrote with a New Folsom inmate who is serving life without parole. His name is Ken Blackburn and he is 73 years old. I think it is one of the best songs I have ever had the opportunity to be part of. Ken wrote the lyric and I wrote the music.
Q:What can listeners and fans expect after March 2015?
LM: I guess the biggest thing is my new CD coming out. I’ll also be doing some shows with two other wonderful artists in the DC area in May Mary Battiata (Little Pink is her band name) and Karen Collins. Mary and I were at a music camp this summer at the Augusta Heritage society and Karen was one of the instructors there. The name says it all: "Women on the Verge! A Night of Traditional and Alt Country."
You can find all my tour dates, music, epk and workshop information at http://lindamcrae.com
LM: I guess the biggest thing is my new CD coming out. I’ll also be doing some shows with two other wonderful artists in the DC area in May Mary Battiata (Little Pink is her band name) and Karen Collins. Mary and I were at a music camp this summer at the Augusta Heritage society and Karen was one of the instructors there. The name says it all: "Women on the Verge! A Night of Traditional and Alt Country."
You can find all my tour dates, music, epk and workshop information at http://lindamcrae.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Artist Interview: Annie Bacon's Pounding Corps
Q When did you first embrace songwriting? Who was a big early influence on your becoming an artist and who or what is fueling your muse currently?
AB: Before December of 2007, I'd definitely written songs, but I never considered myself a songwriter. I was content to play other people's music. That was the month, however, when I got Garageband,
which changed everything. Suddenly I could sketch out concepts of songs
across multiple tracks, and it was like a floodgate had been opened.
Within a few weeks I knew that this was what I was supposed to be when I
grew up. Pink Floyd and whatever was playing on the soft rock station
in the late 80s ... those were my early influences. Music that was
emotional. Right now I'm dealing with an Alt-J infatuation, a British art-band that does everything I love: harmonies, highly
literate lyrics, dirty-grimy bass drops, ear-worming melodies, and
arrangements that keep you on your toes. A few songs of theirs I love:
"Fitzpleasure"and "Ripe &Ruin."
Q Tell us about the new EP and the 'community effort' it's entailed?
AB: The
new EP, which I haven't yet named, is a collection of ukulele songs
that I've written across five or six years, but which never quite fit on
any other release. 2012-13 were hard years for me and my family.
Without going into it, I'll say that I was creatively paralyzed coming
out of it and having trouble getting re-started. A kind friend set me in
motion with a gentle nudge, another friend stepped forward to engineer
it, and others threw down their massive talent as the OSHEN. And still other
friends have offered ears, insights, and hours of talking them through.
It's one of those projects that has happened for me, not because of me,
which is a sweet and humbling relief. I feel really blessed by my
community.
Q You just were just awarded an Arts Incubator by Intersection for the Arts. What does that mean for your work and will you build upon The Folk Opera or drum up something else altogether?
AB: Yes!
This is really exciting for me. There's another project altogether that
inspired me reaching out to them for support. It's a project that needs
to happen within a certain framework, and to be honest I don't even
know what exactly it is going to be yet, only that I'm supposed to set
out to do it. I'm being necessarily vague, you'll forgive that I hope.
But I do also see the potential for the IFTA sponsorship as a platform
for finding the Folk Opera's next life, which is on stage. Maybe I'll
find funding to get the incredible Alphabet Arts puppet production of
the piece out here from Brooklyn.
Q
You're doing a benefit performance for The Liberation Institute. Tell
us about their work in the Bay Area (and any more details about the
show) and how it's important to you.
AB: The
Liberation Institute is an organization dear to my heart. I sit on
their Board of Directors and am consistently amazed and impressed by how
much they do with so little. Their community-mental-health model means
that absolutely anyone can access their services. As an artist, I know
how often I and other artists need support, but feel limited by
finances, so this accessibility is a key part of what I love about them.
The
show is to raise funds for their services for children, teens and
families. As a mama myself now, I also have deep empathy for how
necessary therapy can be in the process of both being and raising a
child! Holy moly. The show will be kid-friendly, with those under 12
free to enter and the show happening from 3-5p. (After nap before
dinner!) It's going to be an intimate show with only about 30 tickets
available for purchase. Since it's a fundraiser we're asking
$25-50/ticket, fully tax-deductible since Libi is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
I'll play the Folk Opera, followed by a set of ukulele songs from the
EP.
Details: Music Is Love: An afternoon with Annie Bacon, Sunday October 26th, 3pm-5pm
at the Liberation Institute's Urban Retreat Center, 1227-A Folsom
Street at 8th, San Francisco. $25-50 tax-deductible donation suggested,
kids 12 and under are free! Tickets available via www.anniebacon.me
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Artist Interview: Oakland Musician Blood & Dust
Blood & Dust, aka Oakland-based artist Doug Tiemann, first came to my attention through the Balanced Breakfast East Bay music meet-ups. A hard-working and well-respected artist, the Midwest native has been tearing up the Bay Area circuit, garnering raves for his brand of acoustic soul. Leading up to our shared gig at The Monkey House in Berkeley this Saturday, September 27, Blood & Dust kindly answered my questions about his musical path.
Q: How did you first start singing and writing songs?
Q: How did you first start singing and writing songs?
BD: I actually started writing songs pretty late in the game. I
spent many years playing drums and percussion and picked up the guitar
in college. It wasn't until grad school that I got the gumption to
write a song. Life had changed a lot and I had my first quarter life
crisis, so I decided to write about it.
Q: Who were some of your earliest influences?
BD: I have
an interesting mix of influences. My father grew up in the 50's and
60's so naturally there is a lot of early rock n' roll and Motown in my
influences. I still draw a lot of inspiration from early soul singers
like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding. My mother brought to the
table a lot of songwriters from the 60's and 70's like Simon &
Garfunkel and John Prine. I can't help but acknowledge these influences
mix in the way that I approach my singing and writing. Today I find a
lot of inspiration from songwriters like David Ramirez and Amos Lee
among many others.
Q: Blood and Dust. Great name. What led to it?
BD: Blood & Dust came
out of needing a name. Doug Tiemann isn't a bad name, but it's not a
great stage name either. It pretentious to me to change my name to
something cool so I thought that I would choose a name that could work
whether I was playing solo or if I had a whole band behind me. I wanted
something gritty and earthy, something that when you heard my music, it
made sense with the name. Blood & Dust was where I landed, I
figured that it's either a great name for an Americana band or perhaps
some sort of death metal band. It seemed to make sense to me so there I
landed.
Q
What/who led you to California? Can you say anything in respect to how
the Bay Area music scene is influencing you in contrast to/or similarly
to your experience as a musician in the Midwest and South?
BD: I originally came to bay area to
attend graduate school. I'm a Midwest boy, so you can imagine that the
Bay Area changed my life a bit. I even moved away for a short while but
I couldn't stand NOT to live here so I moved back. The Bay Area has
been a huge part of my influence as a songwriter. I've been a musician
in the south and the Midwest and while there are definitely scenes, the
Bay Area music community inspired me to write, to build community, and
to try to be part of something bigger than myself. While every music
scene is competitive, the Bay Area scene has a sense of camaraderie
that, I believe, has allowed me to pursue music and grow in my craft.
Q4: What are you working on now? Any new projects or recordings shaping up?
BD: I've been working on a new block of songs since my first album.
Sophomore albums are definitely a challenge across the board, but I'm
excited to explore new sounds. My first album ended up sounding a little
more like a rock album, but I'm excited about the using roots
instruments and what that will bring to the mix. Revisiting old songs
with new instrumentation has been really refreshing as well.
Q: You
host a music series—what's it like for you being on
the other side of putting on a show? Any rewards, pitfalls, or recommendations to share with us?
BD: I was doing a concert series called "An Evening in DogTown." While
it's currently on hiatus, the experience there has been invaluable to
me. I think what made our concert series so valuable to those who
participated was that we kept our focus on the most important thing: the
music and the people making it. When you abandon that for just trying
to get people in the door you lose something. I would say that there
are too many venues that are only concerned about making a quick buck.
It's a business, and to be successful money has to be made, but you have
to care about the product you put out. I think this is why so many of
my fellow Bay Area musicians are seeking out more house show gigs. I
would encourage anyone that wants to pursue putting on house shows to
clearly define their reasons for doing so — that's a good start.
Blood & Dust appears live at The Monkey House Theater in Berkeley, Saturday, September 27, 2014 7:30pm. Tickets & more information: http://monkeyhousetheater.com/
Blood & Dust appears live at The Monkey House Theater in Berkeley, Saturday, September 27, 2014 7:30pm. Tickets & more information: http://monkeyhousetheater.com/
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Songwriter's Roundup in Alameda July 26, 2014 7pm
Andrea Stray: Alt-country Americana
http://
Deborah Crooks: West Coast Americana
http://deborahcrooks.com/
Jeff Desira: Alternative Acoustic Pop-Rock
http://
Kwame Copeland: Alt-country/Rock Americana
http://kwamecopeland.com/
Teresa Topaz: Southern rock & acoustic blues http://
Steve Waters: Alt-country/folk rock
Monday, July 14, 2014
NW Mini-tour Postcard: Bend, Redmond & Ashland or Bust
 |
| Portland is cooler than ever: Here I'm waiting for the free piano seat on Alberta St. to open after enjoying the best gluten-free cinnamon roll from Back to Eden bakery and a fine coffee from Caffe Vita |
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| Big Sky on the way to Bend, Oregon. Bend is beautiful and boasts another good stage in Volcanic Theater Pub |
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| The amazing Horse Tail Falls along the Columbia River. I didn't take a dip but wished I had later. |
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| The dear Sue Quigley who shared the bill with us at the awesome listening room that is SoulFood Coffeehouse in Redmond, Washington |
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| My trusty Desio Guitar awaiting its orders for the day |
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Music on the Water at Barkissimo 6/22
Alexis Harte • Rick Didia • Deborah Cooks • Maurice Tani
Port opens at 5:00 • Concert begins at 6:00 pm • $22 Donations at the door • Bring Food to share • Beverages are available •Reserve through EVENTBRITE link OR go to Barkissimo.EventBrite.comMonday, June 16, 2014
ULUV Music Day June 21, 2014 in San Francisco
ULUV Music Day is a connected set of free, public music events which takes place each year in parklets, parks, Bart Stations and other public spaces on the 21st of June to celebrate music and the people who create it! San Francisco will be bursting with live music performance all day, on Saturday, June 21, starting at noon.
As part of the celebration, I'm delighted to play Trouble Coffee and Coconut Club, out in the Avenues (this is the place to get a coffee before hitting Ocean Beach IMHO). I'll be leading off the line-up at Trouble. While there's all sorts of greatness happening during ULUV, you can't go wrong parking it here for the afternoon if you're in SF (and not in Alameda later in the day for my 3pm Sailstice* set!)
ULUV Music Day @ Trouble Coffee - 4033 Judah St, SF
12-1pm Deborah Crooks
1-2pm Y Axes
2-3pm Elsie White
3-4pm Quinn Deveaux
4-5pm VeJah aka MicChecka and Anthony featuring Maya Songbird
The full schedule for performances at venues all over the city is HERE.
As part of the celebration, I'm delighted to play Trouble Coffee and Coconut Club, out in the Avenues (this is the place to get a coffee before hitting Ocean Beach IMHO). I'll be leading off the line-up at Trouble. While there's all sorts of greatness happening during ULUV, you can't go wrong parking it here for the afternoon if you're in SF (and not in Alameda later in the day for my 3pm Sailstice* set!)
ULUV Music Day @ Trouble Coffee - 4033 Judah St, SF
12-1pm Deborah Crooks
1-2pm Y Axes
2-3pm Elsie White
3-4pm Quinn Deveaux
4-5pm VeJah aka MicChecka and Anthony featuring Maya Songbird
The full schedule for performances at venues all over the city is HERE.
ULUV Music is a charitable organization whose goal is to increase revenue streams for the Bay Area’s music industry by producing community driven music events that showcase local artists, businesses and charities. Through creating more opportunities for the local music community, ULUV Music will help sustain, grow and preserve the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich music culture.
Two Bay Area visionaries, Starita and Robin Applewood, founded ULUV Music and both have dedicated their careers to uplifting the Bay Area music community. They have united their visions to create this event-based movement so that musicians and industry professionals can thrive and sustain their careers in music. http://uluvmusic.com/
Monday, May 19, 2014
Off-the-Grid Entertainment: Alejandro Escovedo's SF house concert and All Terrain Theater's Women in Solodarity showcase
The audio experience in each was pristine and the audience well-mannered and intimate — folks mingled pre-show and during intermission and listened attentively during the show. In other words, the experience was completely about connecting to the artist and the work and the community.
I felt extremely privileged to get to see and hear Escovedo with about 75 other avid listeners at the KC Turner presented show. KC is a tireless house-concert producer (and music presenter in general) and the Escovedo show was a real coup. In a revelatory hour-and-a-half of music, Escovedo sang a selection of his songs representing the breadth of his career, from 5 Hearts Breaking to Chelsea Hotel to San Antonio Rain to Sabor a Mi. In between, he discussed the genesis for each song as well as his early days in punk rock, his family's move from Texas to California, his evolution as songwriter, and touring, going on the road "with $50, a roasted chicken and a bag of weed." The audience, needless to say, hung on every word.
Escovedo himself is new to the small, solo house show experience but said he enjoyed the relative ease (no band and extensive gear to worry about) and planned on doing more. Lucky us!
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