Thanks for your kind words......may have something to do with owning a guitar since the early fourteenth century.

Nice to see some new attendees almost every week.

Colin

This should be the hundredth post on this subject!

Fish Lips 101!
Must be a new college course.

Fish Lips open mic is just around the corner so here I am with a reminder.
Tuesday night I will be hosting as Steve is out of town this week.
So come on out to watch me yodel while eating peanut butter or juggling razor blades on my tongue.
I don't really do those two things but I did get your attention.
Another fun night is on its way!

Fish Lips is happening tonight!

Thanks to the performers at Fish Lips tonight!
Robby & Terry soon to be known as pigment.
Mitch & Gladys,guitar & conga's.
A very special thanks to Jak Kelly!
It is always a pleasure to hear a treasure.

I went tonight , for the first time and had a BALL!
Just wish there had been more folks there!
C'mon people, lets support a great venue that needs us!!

This Tue, June 3rd I will be back to host the open mic at Fish Lips Grill. Thanks to Jerry for keeping the ball rolling.

Jak, I wish I'd been there to hear you perform. It's always a treat. I hope you'll return often.

Someone asked me if there would be a keyboard available. I can bring one, if needed. Anyone else want to use it?

I am toying with the idea of having a featured performer to play for 30 - 45 minutes (suggested by Colin - thanks Colin). Email me at dockendorf2000@yahoo.com if you're interested.

Anyone who has a CD is welcome to bring a few to sell. In fact, I will play a selected cut between performers so the folks can get a preview.

See you Tuesday.

Directions for newcomers:

Fish Lips Grill is at 6250 Ulmerton Rd. on the SE corner of Ulmerton and US 19. In case you need to call, the number is 727-216-3866. If you're coming from Tampa, it's just across the Howard Frankland Bridge. Take the Ulmerton exit from I-275 and make a U-turn at US 19. Then turn right into the first driveway. Every Tue, 8-11 PM. Signups start at 7:30.

a new addition here. I've been wanting to find a cool open mike or a jam around here, as I'm new to the area. I just moved to Lakeland from Atlanta and don't really know the area real good yet. I'll certainly be there on July 3rd!

Sean, your coming will be well welcomed. I'm looking forward to hearing you perform.

I'll Be there with my new EP in hand.

I'll trade you some money for your cd!

And the magic continues. What a night of amazing talent!

Tonight as made special by some stunning newcomers as well as some household names who proved why they continue to be favorites.

Thanks to all who participated:

Colin Ward
Jerry Jakala
Dan Copeland
Terry and Roby
Leslie Hobbs
Jak Kelly
Sean Sinback
Jules
Bob Forest
Papos
Jim Terry
Pat Barmore
Tamara Noll

Special acknowledgment to Alex, who signed up early enough, but whose turn came right at closing time. I look forward to hearing you in the near future. Also special thanks to Dan Copeland for staying until the bitter end and doing some of my exercise for me (roady-wise).

We heard a bit of Jak's new CD. Great songs well-recorded from one of my favorite Tampa Bay artists. When I got home I played it four times through. What, you don't have your copy yet?

Next week Jerry will host and I'll return on July 16. By the way, next Wednesday (and all subsequent Wednesdays) no one has to work. So come early and stay late. And enjoy the magic.

Fourth of July Eve sure got people out.....I vote that everyone should have hump day off all the time.

Colin

It was great to see familiar friends and meet some new ones.
The talent pool never ceases to amaze me.
It usually takes a day or two for my jaw to return to its original position.
Jak Kelly's new 5 song cd is a must have for any musician or music lover.
Sonic creativity at its best!
It would be great to see some of you next week when I host the open mic.
I will give you a note for your boss so you can have Wednesday off but it probably won't stop him from firing you or giving you a bad time.
Oh well!
Happy trails!

I had a great time last night. Nice to see some old friends and meet new ones as well. Always great talent around this town.
Dan

i look forward to being there again on the 9th. see you there all.

Steve is going to be out of town this week so I will be hosting.
See ya all tomorrow night!

Sean - Good to see you're returning.

If anyone hasn't seen this amazing performer, I urge you to do so. Watching him keep all that stuff going is just as much entertaining as listening to the excellent songs.

I have rehearsals every Tuesday til around 10, and then I drive up US19 from St Pete to Tarpon...if it's before 11 I'll swing in for a beer.

Neither Bruce nor I can make it this week......y'all have fun!

Thanks to:
Jeff Blake
Sean the amazing
Shannon & Bill.

And thanks to you, Jerry. It's good to see you digging deep into your archives and watching your songs evolve.

Thanks Jeff!
I did some polishing after pulling them out of the closet.
Performing them live really does help develop songs as well as constructive criticism's that I get from fellow songwriter's and performer's as well as the audience's reaction.
A special thanks to Sean who played my guitar while I was tearing down.
An extra treat!

Thank YOU, Jerry et al, for your patience and allowing me to indulge! Thanks to you guys, I'm falling madly in love with music again! Whether or not there's anyone listening, it feels so good just to play. It's all the more sweet to know that there IS someone listening. Bless you all!

Sean

Saw you at La Casa Dolce last week - amazing! Don't worry, people are listening and they're happy when they are!

Steve V

You are welcome Sean!
The crowd at Fish Lips is very small but we do listen when musicians of your caliber are playing.
With tourist season coming up in a few months I am hoping the word will spread and the crowd will grow.

I'm back in town and ready to rock up Fish Lips with more open mic festivities tonight. Bring your new songs, old songs, CDs and any spare players/singers you might require. I will again be bringing a bass guitar for optional accompaniment and a keyboard. Also there will be a CD player to showcase selected cuts from your CD. You can can sing to your prerecorded tracks if you like.

It's the most fun in Clearwater every Tuesday.

Directions for newcomers:

Fish Lips Grill is at 6250 Ulmerton Rd. on the SE corner of Ulmerton and US 19. In case you need to call, the number is 727-216-3866. If you're coming from Tampa, it's just across the Howard Frankland Bridge. Take the Ulmerton exit from I-275 and make a U-turn at US 19. Then turn right into the first driveway. Every Tue, 8-11 PM. Signups start at 7:30.

I'll be bringing my bestest pen so I can sign up and play a couple of new tunes.

Another fun-filled night in the record books!

Many thanks to:
Don Noble
Jerry Jakala
Jim McGonigle
Jules
Este (Sp?)
Alex

There were some nice collaborations between the participants and I was fortunate to be included on the bass guitar for some of those free-for-alls. Thanks to those who were wise enough to keep the host busy and out of trouble.

Special thanks to the newcomers who came from Plant City after consulting www.openmics.org.

Jerry will be in the driver's seat next Tue, so see him to get on the list and warm up for the JPF Tampa Bay Road Trip. Then I'll be back for three consecutive weeks after that.

Have fun!

Come on out and use tomorrow night for your Friday night tune up like Steve said.
I will be hosting as Steve is out of town!
Bring your fun bones along and have a great time.

I wish to thank the following person for coming out.

Thanks Terry!

Jerry, I wish my work schedule were different to be able to make it. (Then after work I had a meeting to go to) I fully appreciate your trying to keep this going. I'm sure when snowbirds come back, some new face will pop up, but in the meantime, just remember that summer is slow everywhere.
So a special "Thank you" goes to you.

Even some of the professional players that I know are asking for folks to come out because things are so slow.
It is a rough time of year for sure.
Tom & Stacey(owners of Fish Lips)are proud new parents.
Born yesterday, Victoria is the name of their new addition.
Congratualtions!
Hopefully more folks will make it out next week when Steve will be back hosting.

Jerry - sorry I couldn't make it....I bet a lot of players are focused on the big JPF show Friday.

Colin

Thank Ms Goody for the words of encouragement.
My guitar was cutting in and out all night so I am taking it to the hospital today.
It ain't a battery or chord I checked those out.

Wait until Victoria finds out that I named her parents wrong!
Jeff & Tracy are her mother & father, the owners of Fish Lips.
Thanks Colin for the correction!

Hey Kids, it's that time again. This Tuesday I will be hosting the open mic at Fish Lips Grill. I imagine there is a song or two that you would have wanted to perform at the Road Trip event. Bring 'em here.

There will be a keyboard and a CD player for anybody needing them (Tampa Stan - I'm thinking of you and I promise we will not seal your mouth with duct tape).


Directions for newcomers:

Fish Lips Grill is at 6250 Ulmerton Rd. on the SE corner of Ulmerton and US 19. In case you need to call, the number is 727-216-3866. If you're coming from Tampa, it's just across the Howard Frankland Bridge. Take the Ulmerton exit from I-275 and make a U-turn at US 19. Then turn right into the first driveway. Every Tue, 8-11 PM. Signups start at 7:30.

My guitar is fixed so I will be there with bells on in case it gets unfixed again.
Bells are better than nothing!
The sliders get gummy after a few years so the guitar tech sprayed them,worked them up & down a bit and now it is fine.
See you all Tuesday at:
FISH LIPS!

I think Bruce and I can make it this week......

Colin

Alright, Colin. The support you and Bruce have shown at Fish Lips Grill is much appreciated. And in recognition of that support (including your manning the helm in my absence) you and Bruce can have the stage for up to six songs in your set this week.

Well thanks Steve!

Hi Steve,
I plan on being there tonight. I have a song I want to run past you. I am thinking of polkafying it and would like your input.
Jules

Great, Jules. I have a very reasonable fee for such things and will even give you a JPF discount. So 10% off zero is . . . wait, I think I'm going to end up owing you. LOL. See you tonight - I'm interested to hear what you got.

Tonight I predicted a night of magic - and what a magic night it was!

It consisted of:

Kula-Ward performing a special six-song set in recognition of their longstanding support for the open mic at Fish Lips Grill. A pleasing blend of originals and covers.

Don Noble, our next recipient of a six-song set award. Don, next time you attend, you can perform up to six songs in recognition to your longstanding support of live music by local independent artists.

Jerry Jakala, my illustrious co-host who must have a huge repertiore as he just keeps pulling out more and more fine songs.

Rob & Terry, who allowed me the pleasure of playing bass with them. It never hurts to humor the host. Keep it up and you will find yourselves in posession of a six-song set award.

Mitch & Gladys, whose tight harmonies and infectious songs made me glad they returned to Fish Lips. Mitch accompanied Jules on one of his originals. She does a fine job with the congas. (Yes, I said "she." Don't ask)

Jules, who presented a smooth new song, "Better Things to Do." Jules, I'm really looking forward to seeing you in the studio.

Anton, Jeff and Chris were newcomers this time. They are a talented bunch and are welcome back any time.

That's about all for tonight. You are all invited to the party next Tuesday. Don't forget to bring some magic.

Last night was a load of fun along with the magic.
Looking forward to next week when more magical fun happens!

Thanks all for the six song set. We appreciate the recognition and we also appreciate Steve and Jerry's efforts along with the owners of Fish Lips Grill.

We have been talking about a forthcoming CD from Bruce and me.....for a sneak preview check out http://myspace.com/kulaward and crank it up in good speakers or headphones!

Colin

Nice tunes!
Fun songs that are very well recorded and crafted.
Looking forward to buying your cd when it is done!

darn sorry i missed it, guys ! it would've been a lot more fun than what i was doing. i had to do the 'straight job' thing last night so that i could have thursday night off for songwriter night at Tre Amici(i go on at 8:30). maybe next time.

It's Tuesday again and time for Fish Lips Grill open mic. I will again provide a keyboard, CD player and a bass, just in case any of those might come in handy.

Good food, good music and good folks.

Directions for newcomers:

Fish Lips Grill is at 6250 Ulmerton Rd. on the SE corner of Ulmerton and US 19. In case you need to call, the number is 727-216-3866. If you're coming from Tampa, it's just across the Howard Frankland Bridge. Take the Ulmerton exit from I-275 and make a U-turn at US 19. Then turn right into the first driveway. Every Tue, 8-11 PM. Signups start at 7:30.

Mom & I will be there of course!
Al Alvarez just called me and said he was going to be there too.
See ya all tonight!