A LIST OF OPEN STAGE EVENTS I'VE ATTENDED.
(in alphabetical order, w/ # of sessions per event)
"Hiawatha's Hide Away", in Eagle River, WI - 10x
"Joe's Pool Hall", in Conover, WI - 17x
"Snipe Lake Pub", in Iron River, MI - 21x
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That's a total of
48
sessions, involving
3
Open Stage locations
!
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----- DETAILS OF OPEN STAGE SESSIONS -----
(Sorted alphabetically by location, then date. )
"Hiawatha Hideaway", in Eagle River, WI
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General Info :
This "Open Stage" event is just barely started; still in the process of trying to get set up,
and get the word out that it will be available. At the moment, the equipment on hand is limited to a drum
set, some amps, and one mic. The performing area is a raised platform approx. 10' x 8', set in one corner
of a large dining room. The primary person in charge of the event is named Chris. There is another person
who is a friend of Chris, but I don't know whether he's just helping it get started, or if he intends to
continue as a co-operator of the event. I might or might not end up being a co-operator of the event; we'll
see how things work out... For now, Chris intends to keep the schedule of having Thursdays be the Open Stage
nights. The exact start time hasn't been set yet, but will probably be around 8:00 PM.
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Thursday, 10/29/09 :
I arrived very late; about 10:00 PM. Only Chris and the other guy were there. (Didn't get his name!) We spent about
half our available time just trying to get equipment set up, then did a few songs together. Chris was on the drum
set, and the other guy was playing harmonica. I'd brought both my
banjitar and my djembe, but it turned out that I need a mic with a 1/4-inch plug instead of the low-Z. So, I ended
up spending most of my stage time on the banjitar. I did, however, play some djembe toward the end of the night
(accompanying the juke box) when Chris & I went into the bar area in the other room.
Thursday, 11/05/09 :
I arrived late again; about 10:00 PM. Only Chris and 2 other people were there. One was Chris'es room-mate, and the
other was a mutual friend of me & Chris, Tony. Tony only stayed about 10 minutes after I arrived, because he was
overdue returning home to his wife (she was just getting over the flu). I'd brought my Dean CZ guitar, so Chris
& I played several songs with me doing vocals & electric guitar, and him doing the drumming. Chris'es
room-mate stayed long enough to hear several songs, but he was quite drunk and eventually had to get himself home.
Afterward, 2 guys from in the bar area came to listen to our music, but they only stayed for about 2 songs
duration. Later on, we received compliments from some other people who'd overheard us from the bar.
Thursday, 11/12/09 :
I arrived approx. 9:30 PM. Chris and I were the only 2 people who showed up. I think Chris was getting discouraged,
because he didn't play his drums at all while I was there. He said he'd played earlier in the day... My Crate amp
became disfunctional while I playing guitar through it. It's at least 25 years old, and I think it's hitting the
end of its useful life (barring servicing by someone who knows how to fix such things). Chris said he'd want to
buy it from me for $20.00, and I told him that sounded like a good deal. I think next week I'll need to drag out
the big gun, and ferry my P.A. system down there; which, of course, means I'll have to arrive much earlier in
order to get it set up & ready for use in the Open Stage event. Chris showed me an old mixer/amp system that was
given to him. He said he was told that it works perfectly; had been in a church before being given to him. It looks
like it will be very useful, once we figure out how to connect the wires. I wrote down its info, to try to look up
manuals online.
Thursday, 12/10/09 :
I arrived approx. 9:30 PM. Chris and I were the only 2 people there, although a couple of guys showed up later.
I think this "Open Stage" event has flopped. Chris barely played his drums while I was there. I'd brought
only my banjitar, because of the difficulties caused by subzero cold outside - and, most of the time I was there,
I was basically playing & singing alone with nobody else in the room. Chris spent most of that time drinking
in the bar, 2 rooms away. And, when he was in the room, he was preoccupied with amplifying his MP3 player instead
of playing drums. All 3 of them were mainly focused on getting drunk, as if they were guests at some party instead
of musicians attending a session. Chris & I had discussed the idea of starting up a "house band" for
Hiawatha's Hide-Away, instead of continuing to pursue the Open Stage event. However, after my experience this night,
I find myself much less than enthusiastic about it. Hooking up with musicians pursuing intoxication at sessions
is like hooking up your wagon to a drunk horse; i.e., you won't get very far, and where you end up is almost
guaranteed to not be in the direction you were hoping for.
Thursday, 01/14/10 :
I arrived approx. 10:45 PM. Chris was there with a guitar player named "Ryan". I'd brought both my djembe setup and
my Dean CZ guitar with me. We played for about 3 hours, switching instruments at whim. Ryan really liked the djembe.
I discovered that I'd met him there once before. He's the owner of a really nice old Dean guitar. He told me at
this session, that he'd be willing to sell it for $300.00. I think it's probably worth that much or more, but I
can't afford it right now. (I've shot my wad on other music expenses, and won't have that kind of money to spend
for at least 2 months - IF, then.)
There was a visitor who played drums for about a half hour, and did a great job. We also had a guest vocalist,
whose name I've forgotten - but, he was important because he's the father of the owner of Hiawatha's Hide-Away.
I also met his wife, whose name is Pam. They both seemed like very nice people, and he sang well.
Thursday, 01/28/10 :
I arrived approx. 9:30 PM. Chris was there with a guitar player named "Doug", who reminded me a lot of the
pro wrestler who called himself "Hulk". Ryan also showed up, bringing his Jackson Guitar & amp w/ him.
Doug had a really nice old (1987) Gibson "Flying V" style electric guitar. I'd brought just my JBP
amplified acoustic guitar w/ me. We played for about 2 hours, till Doug & Ryan both decided it was time to
leave. Doug turned out to be very good, but we had difficulty finding material we both knew. I'm not sure if he
intends to come back to this event again, but it was nice to meet him.
Thursday, 02/04/10 :
I arrived approx. 9:30 PM. Chris was the only one there. I'd brought just my aplified acoustic violalin. Chris
was down, and didn't even approach his drum set while I was there - so, it was just me playing music this evening.
(Doug had intended to show up, but had transportation problems this evening.) Next week, I intend to take my
bass guitar down there, as per request from Chris.
Thursday, 02/11/10 :
I arrived approx. 8:30 PM. Chris and Doug were there, but we had to hold off playing due to people dining in the
adjacent room. I'd brought my Ibanez 6-string bass guitar (only) this evening. I'm not sure this session can really
be called an "Open Stage", because nobody else showed up to play... The 3 of us practiced together
for about 3 hours; Doug on 6-string electric guitar, Chris on drums, and me on bass guitar.
Thursday, 02/18/10 :
I arrived approx. 9:15 PM. Chris was there with a couple guys I didn't know. I only remember the name of one of
them; "Dave". I'd brought my JBP amplified acoustic guitar this evening, and took my equipment setup a
big step further by hauling my PA system down there. (I did this because the PA system Chris has on site has a
grounding problem that was a huge annoyance last time I was there.) Chris played drums and
sang. Of special note, a guy I hadn't met before showed up this evening. His name was George. I let him play my
guitar for a while, and he was pretty good.
Monday, 02/22/10 :
This is being entered in a tardy manner; over a week after it happened. I arrived approx. 9:15 PM. Chris was there.
Doug was scheduled to arrive, but hadn't shown up yet. The vocalist from Doug's band was there; unfortunately, I've
forgotten his name. I went whole-hog, this evening. I'd brought my JBP amplified acoustic guitar, my Ibanez
6-string bass, my amplified acoustic violalin, and my PA system. After Doug showed up, we all went into the back
room where the music happens. Chris played drums and sang. I switched from instrument to instrument, mainly using
the violalin. Bringing the bass had been as per Doug's request because he wanted to have the chance to try it. He
played it for about 5 minutes total, which I found very disapointing. The vocalist played on his Gibson
"flying V" guitar, and sang. Doug mainly played his own guitar and sang. This didn't work out very well,
as a practice session, or as an Open Stage event. Doug continuously failed to clue me in to what chords he was
going to be playing, so most of the time I was just guessing and faking it. What really ticked me off, was that
as soon as I tried to play some of the songs that I know, both Doug and his vocalist packed up their equipment and
left; i.e., they weren't even going to try.
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"Joe's Pool Hall", in Conover, WI
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General Info :
This "Open Stage" is hosted as an ongoing series of benefits; one charity per month. The format of
the event is that it operates as a jam session. Any musician in attendance is welcome to join in with the
others in attendance. They have a large raised stage area at one end of the bar & pool hall room, with
a railing separating it from the main portion of the room. It's approx. 20' x 6'; plenty of space for a
large crowd. There were about 7 people performing up there, when I arrived. My guess, is that when it's not
being used as a stage area, they can set up table & chairs up there as an elevated eating area. It's
very nice. The event is an ongoing affair, and happens every Wednesday night, starting around 8:00 PM.
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Wednesday, 10/28/09 :
I arrived a bit late (normal for me...), and was welcomed; made to feel at home. Everyone was nice to me. Once my
djembe had been set up, I just jumped in and started playing along with the rest. No problem! They were doing
primarily country music. The owner of the bar gave me free coffee, the entire night. About a half hour after I
arrived, the group took a break for a few minutes. I took the chance to go unpack my banjitar, and set it up for
use on stage. I played a couple of songs on it, when others weren't playing. I also let a few of the people there
try it. NOTE: I really need to remember to tell people that I do NOT want them to unfasten the end of the
strap from the knob! I've had a couple of people do that, and now the strap end comes off much too easily; even,
falls off when I don't want it to. I'll need to get one of those plastic retaining disks, to keep the strap on
the knob. (The same thing happened to the strap on my Seagull!) As seems to be always the case wherever I go, I was
the last musician to leave the place at the end of the night.
Wednesday, 11/04/09 :
I arrived a bit late, and for a few minutes, thought I'd got the nights mixed up (Tuesday, instead of Wednesday).
However, I was told that simply nobody had shown up; the first time that had ever happened. I'd brought only
my bongos w/ stand & mic, so I decided I'd play some music for the people present. While I was setting up the
bongos, Joe (the owner) and another guy named John came to play also. We ended up playing music together for the
next couple of hours, mainly w/ John doing singing & guitar (mainly country stuff), me on bongos, and Joe
alternating between doing spoons and guitar accompaniments. There was only a small audience present, but they were
appreciative of our music. So, what seemed like a wrong night, then perhaps a wash-out, turned into a nice jam
session.
Wednesday, 11/11/09 :
I arrived about 9:30 PM, bringing only my Toca 14" djembe drum with me. There was a fairly large crowd there,
for the "Veteran's Day" benefit. I played the 1st few songs unamplified, then plugged in the mic when
a couple of people temporarily left the stage (gave me room to get through to the mixer). I noticed that Chris
had brought his bongos, so I switched off between djembe and bongos most of the evening. Later on, when some of
the guitar players left the stage, I sang & played Joe's black Ibanez amplified acoustic for several songs.
Wednesday, 11/18/09 :
I arrived about 10:30 PM, bringing only my banjitar with me. I'd chosen to bring the banjitar instead of a drum,
because I'd been pressed for time (grab something and run off to the session), and last week I'd promised Joe
that I would bring the banjitar the next time I attended. Part of the time there, others were doing guitar work, and
part of the time others were trying out my banjitar - so, I didn't play very many songs, but I did have a good time.
Wednesday, 12/02/09 :
I arrived about 9:30 PM, bringing only my new amplified acoustic guitar with me. During the 1st hour or so after
arriving, I did bongos accompaniment for a guy who was playing guitar & singing. When he left, I took his place
and used my new guitar. Note: While I was doing bongos, I let Joe use my new guitar. He really liked it. When my
turn came, I found that it was wonderful to have a better guitar to use, as vs. what's been available previously.
Wednesday, 12/16/09 :
I arrived about 10:00 PM, bringing only my djembe setup with me. During the 1st hour or so after arriving, I did
rhythm accompaniment for a guy who was playing guitar & singing. When he left, I took his place and used Rina's
(sp?) guitar. As always, I had a good time there.
Wednesday, 12/23/09 :
I arrived about 9:30 PM, bringing my djembe setup & banjitar with me. I did rhythm accompaniment on djembe for
2 guitars & a harmonica player, for about 2 hours. Then, the other guys seemed to have had their fill, packed
up their equipment, and left. I took over the guitar & vocal work, for about another hour. I had a good time,
though this wasn't one of my better days. It's worth mentioning that there were a few times during our show, that
the group got in the groove, and it was just right. And, I could tell (by the applause & cheers),
that the audience loved it as much as we did.
Wednesday, 12/30/09 :
I arrived about 10:00 PM, bringing my djembe setup & my cheap electric violinla with me. I did rhythm
accompaniment on djembe for John (who was singing & playing guitar) for about an hour. Then, John declared
that he'd hit his limit. After about 4 encores, he finally left the stage and packed up his equipment. I did the
final setup of my electric violinla, giving it a fine-tuning, and played for a while. I think everybody was both
surprised and pleased, at the change of venue, because nobody else (that I know of) has ever brought a fiddle to
Joe's event. I started out by playing the "Star Spangled Banner" followed by "America, The
Beautiful",. Afterward, a guy who'd been listening compared what I'd done to Jimi Hendrix. Now, I know I'm
nowhere near that good - but, it was still flattering; and stylistically, there is a slight similarity, in that my
version of those 2 songs is highly embellished with lots of grace notes. After that, I did what I think of as my
"Christmas Medley". As I was switching to guitar, I had some problems getting it amplified, and Joe had
to help. In that interval, most of the clientelle left. I'm fairly sure it wasn't my music, since there was a
lot of applause in those moments when I paused between songs. I only played & sang a couple of songs on
guitar, since by the time I was halfway thru the 2nd song the only people left were Joe & Maggie. NOTE: This
was the first time I've ever brought that electric violinla to an Open Stage event, since I've always been
unimpressed with its tonal quality - but, all things considered, I think it worked out pretty well.
Wednesday, 01/06/10 :
I arrived rather late; about 10:30 PM, bringing just my banjitar with me. The place was almost empty; only one
customer, one entertainer, and three people who worked there. I played several songs on my banjitar for those
present, although after about 20 minutes it was just me playing for the staff. Before I left, Joe told me he
needs me to show up earlier, about 8:00 PM. Given that he was specific about arrival time, and the fact
that he stated it as "needs" (w/ vocal emphasis), I've decided to place this as a priority and start
treating the 8:00 PM time he specified as a deadline for arrival. I don't know how well I'll do, but I'll have
this in mind to be treated as a request from a friend.
Wednesday, 01/13/10 :
I arrived comparatively early this time; very close to 8:00 PM. This was because I was responding to Joe's explicit
request that I do so. I brought with me my banjitar and my djembe setup. I divided my time there more or less
equally between banjitar & djembe. I also got the name of an extremely talented guy who I've seen there frequently
playing guitar and singing: Greg Everett. He gave me his business card when I mentioned my website and the list of
sessions that I maintain here, because he has a music website of his own. The URL is
http://www.gregeverett.com
. Before the night was over, 4 guys came in; one of them, brining with him a bass guitar being returned to Joe after
being elsewhere for servicing. Joe asked me to check it out, so I played it for about a half hour. It was in fairly
good condition; played well, with good tone. My only criticism, was that it needed load balancing for the pickups,
and filing & leveling of the frets at the upper end of the neck (the top string buzzed there).
Wednesday, 01/20/10 :
I arrived a little late; about 9:00 PM, bringing just my djembe setup with me. The place was rather empty; only
5 or 6 customers, and three people who worked there. I played rhythmic accompaniment for several songs on my djembe,
while Bill played harmonica, Joe did several things, and a guy whose name I don't know played guitar & sang.
After the others quit the stage it was just me - so, I picked up a guitar; played & sang a few songs. Later, I
also played for about 15 minutes on Joe's bass guitar (at his request).
Wednesday, 01/27/10 :
I arrived a little late; about 9:00 PM, bringing just my djembe setup and amplified acoustic violalin with me.
The place was rather empty; only 3 or 4 customers, three people who worked there, and one other guy there for the
Open Stage. I played rhythmic accompaniment for a few songs on my djembe, before the other guy announced it was
time for him to leave. I switched to violalin for one or two songs, then used Joe's amplified acoustic guitar to
do a few more.
Wednesday, 02/03/10 :
I arrived a little late; about 9:30 PM, bringing just amplified acoustic violalin with me. The place was rather
empty; only 3 or 4 customers, three people who worked there, and one other guy there for the Open Stage. As has
become the usual, he was just about to leave when I showed up. I really need to get there earlier, if I want the
chance to practice with him. I played violalin for a few songs, then used Joe's bass guitar for a while, at his
request.
Wednesday, 02/10/10 :
I arrived relatively early (as vs. my usual arrival); about 8:15 PM, bringing my both my djembe setup and my new
acoustic tenor banjo. There were about 5 customers present, Joe & Maggie, and Greg (there to perform for the
Open Stage). This earlier arrival worked out much better. Greg & I played several a couple of hours together.
He had a difficult time leaving at his normal time, and ended up staying about an hour later than he usually does.
I started my evening playing djembe about a half hour, then switched over to using Joe's bass guitar for about an
hour and a half. I spent part of my time playing the tenor banjo, but it was just a song here, a song there... I
need to work with it more, to improve my quickness & surety w/ the tenor banjo chord forms.
Wednesday, 02/17/10 :
I arrived a bit late; about 9:00 PM, bringing just my djembe setup. There were about 5 customers present, Joe &
Maggie, and Greg (there to perform for the Open Stage). I played djembe accompanying Greg on guitar for about an
hour, till Greg left. I then switched over to using Joe's black amplified acoustic guitar for about an hour.
By that time, everybody else was gone, and Joe announced it was time to shut down the place. Of special note, is
that while Greg was there, I requested of him that he let me play his beautiful nylon string Godin guitar. He said
it was all right, so I played it for about 4 songs. This was important for me, since I've been thinking that I
should have a nylon string guitar (maybe a folk guitar?) instead of the working with the steel strings I currently
have on my JBP amplified acoustic. It would be much easier on my arthritic hands, to be working with nylon instead
of steel; less painful, too. It was very kind of him, to help me in this way. Of course, realistically, it was
only half of a fair test, re. using nylon. Greg tunes his guitar down a whole step, so the strings were more
slinky than they would have been at full tension. Still, it was good experience for me, and a place to start in
making a decision in this matter.
Wednesday, 02/24/10 :
This is being entered in a tardy manner; a full week after it happened. I arrived late; about 9:30 PM. Greg was
there, shooting pool - but didn't play at all while I was there. I'd brought my djembe setup and my amplified
acoustic violalin. There weren't any other people there strictly for the music, so I didn't play my djembe at all
this evening. I played my violalin for a while, then switched over to playing Joe's black amplified acoustic guitar.
I got some compliments this evening, with people telling me they thought I'd improved in my fiddling skills. After
about an hour and a half, I put down the instruments and played some pool for about another hour and a half. It was
nice, since I haven't really played pool at all for about 7 years.
Wednesday, 03/03/10 :
I arrived late; about 9:30 PM. I expected that Greg would be gone already, and no other musicians present (other
than Joe), so I brought only my banjitar with me. It turned out that there were 4 other musicians in the place,
although Greg wasn't there. (Apparently, he didn't show up at all this evening.) I've forgotten the names of 2
of the new people, but the one I remember the name of was "Eddie". The other John was also there, this
evening. I played banjitar the entire time I was there; half the time, just using it as a drum w/ the head held
near a microphone. I was the last person to leave the Pool Hall, this evening. I guess, I was just really in a mood
for playing...
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"Snipe Lake Pub", in Iron River, MI
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General Info :
This "Open Stage" operates as a jam session, but space constraints limits the number of musicians
who can perform at the same time to being at most 4 or 5. Any musician in attendance is welcome to perform,
once they've checked in with Maran &/or Nate, who run the Open Stage event (as per proper courtesy, re.
taking turns, of course). The amp equipment in use is a large amp head unit w/ about 15 channels, and 2
rather large speaker cabinets placed on top of tall, sturdy stands. Maran & Nate also provide 2
amplified acoustic guitars, a couple of mic's w/ mic stands, and a music stand. The equipment gets set up
in one corner of the bar room, just past a pair of pool tables. There's a lot of drinking, but the crowd is
friendly. I've never personally witnessed any fights, or even arguments there. In the summer, this event
happened every Thursday night, starting around 8:30 PM. For the winter season, the night was switched to
Friday. My guess is that it will stay that way until next Spring.
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Thursday, 07/02/09 :
The "Open Stage" was scheduled for starting at 8:00 PM, and I arrived about 9:30 PM. There was a
fair crowd there. Right away, I made the acquaintance of Nate & Maran, who were the people who'd set up the
event. They're associated with the band "Kyndred"; Nate is the bass player, and Maran is the sound tech.
Before the evening was over, I'd decided that I like them - they're good people. Nate introduced me to a guy
named "Jessie"; a truly gifted musician, who plays guitar & sings, mainly in the genres of blues
& country. He also introduced me to 2 of the bartenders named Tom and Sandy. (One, or both of them, might be
the owner(s) of the pub.) Nice people.
The session went smoothly. I played & sang several songs during the evening, mainly using Marin's guitar. I also
played my 14" Toca djembe drum, and got quite a lot of attention; I think, very few of the people present had
ever seen a djembe, much less, heard one. Most of the evening's music was done by myself, and by Jessie, although
there were 2 or 3 guys who did several songs together as a small group. What really tripped everyone's trigger,
though, was when Jessie & I performed together. I'd been alone up there, and was doing some rhythms
on the drum to fill time; kind of, deciding what I wanted to do. Jessie came up, and started singing while I
drummed - and, we fell into a reggae beat & lyrics. I think Jessie was making it up as he went, but I'm not
sure... I returned to the pub the next night, after sitting in with the band "Crossroads", and people
were still talking about my jam w/ Jessie. One guy told me, that the word had gone out, and people all over
Iron River were talking about it. Even if it's true, my attendance there wasn't in pursuit of fame - I was just
there to have a good time, and do some music; a chance to practice my art. I intend to go back again next week,
and perhaps bring one of my fiddles with me. I could play in front of one of the microphones, and be heard in
that manner. AND, next time, I'll bring a guitar tuner with me. There wasn't one available, and I ended up
avoided using the same guitar as Jessie, because he was drinking heavily and kept re-tuning the guitar by ear.
Thursday, 07/09/09 :
The "Open Stage" was scheduled for starting at 8:00 PM, and I arrived about 9:30 PM. There was a
smaller crowd there than the previous time. I'd brought my bongos instead of my djembe, this time, along with my
violalin.
The session went smoothly enough, although I didn't feel quite as "in the groove" on the bongos as I
usually do on the djembe - which, of course, is to be expected given the fact that I spend most of my practice
working on mastering the djembe. But, I found that I really missed the tonal flexibility of the djembe, and its
capacity for making a deep thumping bass note. It was nice to have 2 different pitch ranges (2 drums), but bongos
lack the dynamics of a djembe. I played & sang several songs during the evening, mainly using Marin's guitar -
although, I did have to switch over once Maran broke one of his strings doing a song with Nate. Jessie wasn't
there this evening, but the pair of guys who performed together last time (don't know their names yet) did
several songs. I didn't actually perform the violalin amplified; just one or two tunes sitting off to the side
while Nate & Maran broke down the equipment. I've discovered that this group really likes Neil Young music;
cool, considering I know several of his songs. I'm going to brush up on a couple of old ones I've forgotten,
and maybe even try to pick up a new one for use there.
I've also concluded that I need to trim back all the long-distance miles my journeys into Iron River have been
racking up. So, I intend to try to alternate between the sessions sitting in with "Crossroads", and my
sessions attending the "Open Stage" event; i.e., Thursday "Open Stage" one week, Friday sitting
in with "Crossroads" the next week, Thursday "Open Stage", etc.
Thursday, 07/16/09 :
I didn't update this page in a timely manner, so I've forgotten most of the details re. this session.
I arrived later than previous times, and brought both djembe & violalin. I played djembe most of the
evening, accompanying whoever happened to be performing guitar & voice. There was about 10 minutes when
I played violalin into a mic. I wasn't fully in the groove, and that was exacerbated by the fact that virtually
nobody there seemed the least bit interested in hearing solo fiddle - unless, of course, I could do the
Charlie Daniels song, "Devil Went Down To Georgia"... which I can't. I'm reluctant to drag my violalin
out there again, after this. I played & sang a few songs using one of the guitars brought there by the guys
who set up the Open Stage event.
Thursday, 07/23/09 :
I arrived late again, and this time brought only the djembe setup. I accompanied whoever happened
to be doing guitar & voice songs, most of the time I was there. I also played & sang a few songs using a
guitar provided by Maran, one of the guys who's set up the Open Stage event. I felt very much in the groove,
and the audience's reaction upheld that feeling as being accurate. I definitely need to get out there earlier
than I've been doing, though... The evenings usually come to an end way before I've run out of enthusiasm for
performing.
Thursday, 08/06/09 :
I arrived comparatively early this time, spurred by my need to do some shopping before attending the session; i.e.,
I had to get out there early, or the store would have been closed. I brought a lot this time: The djembe setup,
an acoustic violin I'm hoping to eventually sell, my electric guitar & stand, and my wah pedal. I spent most
of my time playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar & voice songs. I did, however,
play my electric guitar for a few songs, and played several songs using Nate's guitar. Djembe work went smoothly.
I just couldn't get into the groove, though, with my electric guitar; I'm not sure why... Working with Nate's
guitar went well, but I think I should have stopped and tuned it with my tuner before playing; i.e., most of what
I played seemed slightly off pitch, and I think it's because people had been tuning it by ear all night. I was
willing to let both Nate and Maran try out my electric guitar, but only Nate took me up on it. I don't think he
really liked it very much. He play about half a song on it, then switched to using his amplified acoustic.
There was something unusual about this session: When I parked the car arriving, I heard the sound of congas coming
from inside the pub. It made me think that perhaps there'd been a change of venue for the evening, and a paid band
was in there. When I walked in, I saw what was going on. It turned out that "K." had shown up and brought
his congas to the Open Stage session. (Cool!) It was a nice change of pace, to be drumming along with K. and his
congas. As always, the evenings came to an end way before I ran out of enthusiasm for performing.
Thursday, 08/13/09 :
I arrived a little bit later this time, approx. 9:30 PM. I brought my Toca djembe setup, and an acoustic violin I
hoped to (eventually) sell. I spent a little more than half of my time playing the djembe, accompanying whoever
happened to be doing guitar & voice songs. The rest of my playing time was using Nate's guitar & singing.
Along with doing several songs that I know well, I also did 2 songs with guitar & voice that I hadn't done in
public before: "House of the Rising Sun", and "Puff the Magic Dragon". I definitely need to
practice those 2 more, though. I was up there by myself twice during the evening, and both times, I had the feeling
that either the audience was ignoring me (sort of taking my music for granted, like a paid performer sometimes runs
into), or simply didn't like what I did very much. There was virtually no applause, while I did my guitar stuff.
I always have a hard time shutting down the act, once I get going... I ended up hanging around about an hour after
the place closed, doing music with 4 other people and the bartender.
Thursday, 08/20/09 :
I arrived a little bit late again; approx. 9:30 PM. I brought my Toca djembe setup I spent a little more than half
of my available performing time playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar & voice
songs. The first few of my guitar playing songs were done using Nate's guitar, then I switched over to using
Maran's guitar for the rest of the evening. I let one of the guys from the 3-man group use my djembe, and he did
pretty well. There's the possibility that he'll buy it next week; at which point, I'll buy the new Djembe I've
been considering for a while (using the purchase money of the old one to defray the cost of the new one).
Thursday, 08/27/09 :
I arrived comparatively early, this time; approx. 8:15 PM. I brought my both Toca djembe setup and my banjitar.
I spent a little more than half of my available performing time playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened
to be doing guitar & voice songs. All my guitar playing songs were done using Nate's guitar, this evening.
There was a different guy drumming for the 3-man group, and he was very good - probably, the best hand-drummer I've
seen for a while. The guy who'd said he was considering buyiing the djembe from didn't show at all, that I know of.
Thursday, 09/03/09 :
I arrived a little bit late again; approx. 9:30 PM. I brought my Toca djembe setup and my banjitar. Part of my
available performing time was spent playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar & voice
songs. I used the banjitar early in the evening, then switched over to using Maran's guitar. Worthy of mention,
was that I met a pretty blonde woman named "Amy", who works at a museum in Caspian, MI. She approached me
inquiring about having me perform at a function the museum is planning. I told her I'd probably enjoy that, and
she wrote down contact information about me. The banjitar work went more smoothly this night, because I'd decided
that I would play without a pick; kind of a frailing technique. It worked out well, and sounded better than
the previous time I'd tried it at the event (using a pick). I think I'm going to stick with that technique for
the foreseeable future, when playing amplified.
Thursday, 09/10/09 :
I arrived a little bit late again; approx. 9:15 PM. I only brought my Toca djembe setup this time. Part of my
available performing time was spent playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar & voice
songs. All the guitar work I did this night, was via using Maran's guitar. The one thing I did differently this
particular evening, was that I brought a folder of my own songs with me to the session. Most of what I played
this evening was from that folder.
Thursday, 09/17/09 :
I arrived relatively early this time; approx. 8:30 PM. I brought my Toca djembe setup and my acoustic violalin.
Part of my available performing time was spent playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar
& voice songs. All the guitar work I did this night, was via using Maran's guitar. I tried playing the violalin into
a microphone, but that didn't work. After about 5 minutes of trying different angles of mic, the sound still wasn't being
amplified, so at the request of Maran I switched over to playing guitar & singing instead.
Friday, 10/09/09 :
The Open Stage switched nights, and made the announcement re. it on a night I missed (09/24/09). This led to my
making one drive out there & back (~80 miles) on 10/01/09, basically for nothing. So, from now on, I
have to choose between attending music at the casino, or attending music at the Open Stage. (Drat!) I arrived
relatively early this night; approx. 8:30 PM. I brought my Toca djembe setup and my new amplified acoustic violalin.
Part of my available performing time was spent playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar
& voice songs. I played 3 or 4 pieces on the new violalin, and then switched over to playing guitar &
singing.
Friday, 10/30/09 :
I arrived relatively late this night; approx. 10:00 PM. I brought my Toca djembe setup. Part of my available
performing time was spent playing the djembe, accompanying whoever happened to be doing guitar & voice songs.
I played & sang 5 or 6 pieces on Nate's guitar. (It seems as if I'll be receiving request for "Mercedes
Benz" from now on, because it was requested again!) NOTE: There's another guy there, who's interested in
buying my Toca djembe at the $120.00 price. I could see that he really likes the djembe, and might end up
being very good on it if given the chance for lots of practice. I like the guy, and have decided to hold the djembe
for him (not selling it to anyone else) until at least Dec. 10th, 2009. If he does come up with the money for
buying it, I'll use the proceeds from the sale to defray the cost of purchasing a Remo 18" djembe - that, being the
only way I can think of while living in this region, of having the chance to try one out. If I eventually decide
I don't like it, then I'll do what I can to sell it; and then, buy another 14" Toca just like the one I've got
right now.
Friday, 11/06/09 :
I arrived approx. 10:00 PM. I'd brought both my Toca 14" djembe, and my Schalloch XL djembe; but, nothing
for amplifying; i.e., no mic, etc. I expected to find Johnny, ready to buy the Toca. I brought the Schalloch
djembe to provide an option, because I'd be willing to sell the Schalloch for less money - and, it was possibly
a better choice to provide a high quality djembe at a lower price for a beginner. It turned out the djembe was for
Lisa. (Johnny wasn't there.) Given her choice, she chose the Schalloch. So, now I'm down to one djembe again.
There weren't many people there this evening; only Maran, Nate, Randy, a young male guitar player I don't know the
name of, Lisa, a female guitar player I don't know the name of, and about 4 bar customers who were strictly
audience. The music went on till 12 M, when Maran & Nate called it a night. I played both djembe's during my 2
hours there, and did several songs using Nate's guitar. Everybody had a good time.
Friday, 11/13/09 :
I arrived approx. 9:30 PM. I'd brought both my Toca 14" djembe, and my Gold Tone CC-Banjitar. There were a lot
of people there this evening, and the music went on till around 1:30 AM, when Maran & Nate had to call an end to
the music for the night. I played a lot of djembe, used my banjitar for a while, and also did several songs using
Maran's guitar. Jessie was there, and in good form, wowwing the house with his performance. Everybody had a good
time. My djembe was also played for many songs by both Maran and Randy (not at the same time, though). Lisa was
there, and told me she's having a great time w/ the djembe I sold her. She didn't try playing mine, though... I
think she's still a bit shy about playing in public, but she did get up and sing 2 songs w/ Maran on guitar &
me on djembe.
Friday, 11/20/09 :
I arrived approx. 10:30 PM. I'd brought only my Toca 14" djembe. There fair number of people there, and Randy
had the stage when I arrived. Almost as soon as I had my drum set up, he took a break, yielding the stage to me.
I went with the flow, and played several songs using Maran's guitar. After that, I mainly played djembe accompanying
others, and listened while others played my drum. Lisa was there, but still doesn't feel ready for playing djembe in
public. She did get up and sing 2 songs w/ Maran & Nate doing guitar, with Randy on djembe.
Friday, 12/18/09 :
I arrived relatively early this time; approx. 9:15 PM. The music hadn't started yet. I'd brought my Toca 14"
djembe, and my Dean guitar in its new foam case. There ended up being more people there this evening than I expected.
Randy started the stage work shortly after I arrived and set up my drum. When I got a turn for guitar work, I used
my Dean - but, ended up disappointed again at the result; it sounded too blurry. I played about 5 songs that way,
and ended up using Maran's guitar the rest of the time. I did a lot of drumming, but also let several people take
turns using my djembe. I met a rather drunk, very pretty woman named "Star", this evening. I also
discovered that one of the guys (didn't get his name) who shows up is incredibly good at guitar tuning. He re-tuned
a string he'd had intentionally de-tuned, prepping the guitar for my use, in 10 seconds flat - and, all the strings
were tuned perfectly. NOTE: Before I left, Maran told me that the event will be skipping 2 Fridays in the
holiday season, because of the timing of Christmas Day & New Year's Day - then, will be back on track for the
following (3rd) Friday from now; i.e., for 01/08/10.
Friday, 01/09/10 :
I arrived rather late this time; approx. 10:30 PM. The music had obviously been going for quite a while. I'd brought
my Toca 14" djembe, and my cheap electric violinla in its foam case. There were more people there this evening
than I expected; seemingly, a trend. I spent most of my time there playing djembe, although I did let several other
people play it while I had cigarette breaks. I played about 3 songs on Maran's guitar, and did both my patriotic &
Xmas medleys on violinla. (I think people really liked that stuff!) I felt very much "in the groove" this
evening, and even received an extra compliment from Nate after one of the songs I accompanied.
Friday, 01/16/10 :
I'd intended to be elsewhere, but that event didn't go - which is how I ended up here this evening. I arrived rather
late; approx. 10:30 PM. Since being there was a change of plans, I'd only brought my JBP amplified acoustic guitar.
There was a moderate but not large crowd this evening. I spent about half of my time there playing the back of my
guitar like a drum, since I didn't know the chords for the songs that were being done. About 1/4 of my time was spent
just sitting, watching others play. The remaining 1/4 was playing & singing. I felt pretty good this evening,
and Nate commented on how the people had been dancing while I performed. Worth noting re. people I saw there, were
Dave & Vicky. And newly-met, tiny brunette cutie Nicole took it upon herself to get my coffee mug refilled!
There was also a newly-met blue-eyed blonde named Holly, who came up and sang with me while I played. She did fairly
well, for being so drunk.
Friday, 02/05/10 :
I showed up around 9:30 PM, bringing just my djembe setup w/ me. The place was fairly busy, and there were several
people there for performing at the Open Stage. I played djembe accompanying Maran & Nate, then accompanying
Randy. I had the stage twice this evening, for playing guitar & singing. The first time, I used Maran's guitar;
but, something about it just didn't sound right to me. So, the 2nd time, I used Nate's guitar. That was much better,
although the bass string seemed muted; too soft, and harmonically dulled. I really need to bring my own guitar,
to be able to have something to work with that's predictable in terms of playability & sound. I gave Maran
& Nate a 2-page thing I'd designed and printed up, for using as sign-up sheet for the Open Stage sessions.
The 1st page was a "How It Works" w/ 5 line items. The 2nd was a simple chart sign-up page, for
making the appearances happen in an orderly fashion. I'd only intended to stay till 12 midnight, since I'd been up
early this day, but at Maran's request I hung in there a while longer in order to have a 2nd showing on the stage
from approx. 12:30-1:00 AM.
Friday, 02/19/10 :
I showed up around 9:15 PM, bringing my djembe setup & banjitar w/ me. The place was moderately busy, and there
were several people there for performing at the Open Stage. I played djembe accompanying Randy, played my banjitar
for several songs, then played more djembe accompanying Maran & Nate. Later on, I played about 5 more songs,
using Maran's guitar. Jessie was there this night; he perfomed several songs for his mother, who had come to watch.
Lisa also took the stage for a while, singing accompaniment to a guitar player and Randy on djembe.
NOTE: I (finally!) gave Maran & Nate the xmas presents I'd bought for them; a pair of pick holders to stick onto
their guitars. ALSO NOTE: They weren't using a sign-up sheet - so, I guess they'd decided against using one as I'd
previously suggested & provided.
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