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#656431 - 10/01/08 01:26 AM
jpf member gets a big break
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stevenbacon
Casual Observer
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 10
Loc: westbrook, maine, usa
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Hi fellow JPF folks,
I wanted to share a story about some success that I've had in the past week. Since the "big event" that i'll go into shortly, i've been contacted by a number of industry types and am continuing to have exciting things happen everyday. I'll keep you all updated to the follow up things that have been happening, once I've posted the main story.
I also want to say that I've been talking on the phone with Brian Austin Whitney who is helping me plan out my strategy for how to harness my recent success and how to build on it. Brian is AWESOME, and he's given me a well thought out list of things to do next, which you better believe I'll be following up on.
so here's the story:
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Steven Bacon and Glen Hansard: THE REST OF THE STORY
(there are pics of the event at http://www.stevenbacon.com)
As some of you already know, I make me living as a subway performer / street performer.
A recent independently produced movie has given me great inspiration and the much needed strength to keep on keeping on.... The movie is called "ONCE" and stars Irish singer songwriter Glen Hansard (lead singer of "The Frames"), as a down and out street performer, with big dreams (sound familiar?). Glen costars with songwriter Marketa Irglova who plays the nontraditional love interest with hopes and dreams of her own.
One of the many amazing things about this movie is that the stars, Glen and Marketa, wrote and performed all the music in the movie. Although this movie only had a budget of $150,000, Glen and Marketa went on to win an Oscar for best song in a movie (for Falling Slowly), and a Grammy as well (all in 2008)
So how do I fit in with all this? Well, when I heard they were coming to town (Boston, Agannis Areana, 9-19-08), I bought tickets and when the day of the concert came (last Friday) I set up my street performing gear outside of the arena and proceeded to play all day in hopes of meeting Glen and Marketa.
After about 3 hours of playing I met a kindred spirit named Peter Olson. He had met Glen at a previous show and wished me well with my adventure. Soon after, the arena security staff politely kicked me off the premises, since it's against policy to have street performers on BU property. They were cool and said "we don't care if we hear you, it's just the policy of where you are... why don't you go across the street and no one will bother you". I gotta say that's the most pleasant getting kicked out experience i've had to date! I was thinking about just packing up and leaving, but I decided to keep soldiering on, so I found a condemned shop with garbage bags covering the windows and set up outside of there, thinking I would be safe for a few hours here.
About 10 minutes later, I'm singing and playing with my eyes closed and when I open them I see Glen and Marketa Standing in front of me with big smiles and kind eyes. Glen throws me a tip, we talk about busking, I blabber incoherently about how much of an inspiration he is to me and tell him I have tickets to the show. Glen and I shake hands and he asks if I'll have all my gear inside the show and then says, "We'll see you inside!", and I say "I'll see you inside, but you probably won't see me!" and we both laugh. It turns out that Peter Olson, who I had just met in the previous hour, ran into Glen and Marketa and sent them my direction. Peter also followed them and took pictures with his iphone of our encounter. Afterwards Peter said if I hadn't moved (aka gotten kicked out), Glen and Marketa probably wouldn't have found me. SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE.......
So I play for a few more hours, and I'm on cloud 9... (it's now been 5 or 6 hours of busking....can't feel hands, gotta pee, losing my voice, ... all the usual stuff..). Finally it's time to see Glen and Marketa perform so, my wife and I head off to see the show.
My wife is pretty concerned they won't let me in with all my gear because she went and checked while I was playing and saw the list of non-allowed items, and I had about half of them (like large bags, metal poles aka my mic stand etc...). I have a feeling they'll let us in so off we go to find out.
When we get to the entrance, the security guard gives me what I think is a "great, another one of these guys" looks. Instead of showing me the door, he pauses and says.... "Oh hey, are you the guy who's been playing outside?.... is that a Martin guitar you were playing? I play one too... you sound great! Yeah... this guy is alright, let him in." So, no problem getting in and I've got a new friend to boot.
We finally manage to get to our seats in the dark, no small feat with all my gear, and we enjoy Patty Griffin's opening set.
Next, Glen and Marketa come on with Glen's band the Frames. They are astounding, amazing, mind blowing, beautiful, inspiring, original, soulful, full of depth and raw talent. They play some of their big hits (including Falling Slowly) and then everyone leaves the stage except for Glen. He plays a solo song and then says: "So, we were walking around Boston today and we met this busker. He was fantastic... I think his name was Steven.... now everyone please be quiet for a second.... Steven are you here?"
Yeah.. I'm here!... I stand up and lift my guitar high over my head like an Olympic weight lifter (caught up in the moment, I was...). The crowd begins to cheer and Glen says... "LET"S HAVE A REAL BUSKER UP ON THE STAGE! STEVEN COME UP AND SING US A SONG!"
I think this was the point were I my heart stopped beating and I began to choke on my giant pretzel...
So, the crowd keeps cheering and I run up to the stage. I make eye contact with about a zillion people on the way who are as caught up in the moment as I am. The guards let me on stage... and there's Glen to great me with a warm smile. I hug Glen and the crowd cheers. Glen says "Hey, do you want to use my guitar, it's already plugged in..." Side note, this is the guitar Glen played in the movie, and it's famous.... I dream about that guitar... Do I want to play it? Yeah, I want to play it! I want to marry it and raise saplings together... I want to fight crime with it... I want to take it to the zoo, take it to the movies, knit sweaters for it , paint it's picture, and celebrate Arbor Day with it.....(ok i'll stop there). Of course Glen knows how exciting playing his guitar would be for me, and it's another kind and thoughtful gesture on his part.
After fumbling through my guitar case to find my Harmonica and capo, I approach the mic, and the crowd is going wild. In a fog akin to deer in the headlights syndrome I say something, to the crowd, probably something I would regret if I could remember what it was.... I do remember saying... "ok I'll stop talking and make this quick... you guys didn't pay to see me." That went over well. Hmmm... maybe a little too well. But seriously folks...
As I struggle to get my heart rate back under 300 bpm, I play the opening chords of my song "Charlie wants to run".... Charlie is a metaphorical reference to the subway in Boston, aka the Charlie train. I play the intro with guitar and harmonica. I think after I played the progression through the first time I got big cheers, maybe because people were happy after all the buildup of this moment that I didn't totally suck. I sing the first note and realize... uh-oh my voice is gone from my 6 hours of busking in the cold today... still can't feel my hands... DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!.. then i get a hold of myself and start to relax and take in the moment. I notice that everyone is clapping to the beat. I realize how to connect with the audience halfway through my song and I start to make eye contact one by one with everyone who is close enough for me to see. Each person I look at seems to get that I'm looking at them and we smile at each other, having meaningful and happy, albiet breif, exchanges. I can see how inspired they are by this moment and how excited they are for me. I've never felt more love and support in a performance setting in my life. I know that feeling will stay with me always.
At this point I realize I've gotten lost in the crowd and my song structure has flown south for the winter. I realize I've sang the chorus 3 or more times in a row .... time to stop! I somehow manage to end the tune as thousands of Swell Season fans rise to their feet to give me a standing ovation. Glen runs up to me and gives me a big hug and says to the audience "That was F---ing Great!"
On the way off stage I get to thank each member of the Frames and Marketa. Big giant security guard gives me a hug. Everybody wants to shake my hand as I wander, lost-dazed and confused, trying to find my seat, and process what I'm pretty sure has just happened.
Afterward, I signed autographs for the first time in my life and set up my gear outside the Arena and played outside until 2am... this time I didn't even notice the cold.. I stopped when my amp died in a horrible barking way that only busker's amps can die.. I think I might have fried it, but perhaps I can fix it. If you see me busking in Park Street or Davis station Wednesday afternoon then you'll know the amp made it through another round of meatball surgery.
If you would like to be involved in the upcoming chapters of this story, please help me make the most of this big break by forwarding this email to your friends, your press contacts (Newspaper, Magazine, TV, Radio, the Web), anyone you know who you think might be interested in booking me at their venue or house concert, any songwriter agents, recording industry types, ...etc!!! I have never asked anything of the sort in the past, but I believe this story can inspire others to go for their dreams and I am excited to share it and see how it all plays out.
Edited by stevenbacon (10/01/08 01:42 AM)
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#656437 - 10/01/08 02:32 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Kevin Edward Rose
Serious Contributor
Registered: 10/02/06
Posts: 1477
Loc: Richmond, IN U.S.A.
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Steven, that was a terrific story and I hope it is just the beginning of great things to come.
I bought the "Once" DVD about a month ago and thought it was absolutely great. It is very inspiring and I highly recommend it.
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#656440 - 10/01/08 02:57 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Kevin Edward Rose]
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Jim Offerman
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 694
Loc: Utrecht, The Netherlands
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What a wonderful story! I've made a post about it on my blog - here's hoping that'll send a few visitors your way!
Funny thing is I just watched that movie for the first time yesterday... it's awesome!
ps: Kevin, your brilliant sig always makes me chuckle! 
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#656447 - 10/01/08 03:43 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Jim Offerman]
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Kevin Edward Rose
Serious Contributor
Registered: 10/02/06
Posts: 1477
Loc: Richmond, IN U.S.A.
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ps: Kevin, your brilliant sig always makes me chuckle!
Thank you, Jim. I hope to one day be mentioned in Performing Songwriter and Dirty Linen magazines.
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#656450 - 10/01/08 05:11 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Kevin Edward Rose]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Kevin: I've been in both.. my life didn't change! = )
Steven: Congrats on the great opportunities that are opening up. As I told Steven on the phone, when something good happens, it's just the START of the effort you need to put in to really make something happen. Never sit and WAIT for anything to result from an occurence like this. Only YOU can push it forward and walk through all the doors that are open and find new ones to open as you move forward. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next to Steven, who aside from being a very passionate performer is a really nice guy!
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney 
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#656461 - 10/01/08 06:40 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Everett Adams
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 08/31/02
Posts: 4647
Loc: ,NL Canada
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WOW! what a story. I am so happy for you, it brought tears to my eyes. We all dream of being "discovered" like this, but for most of us it is a fairy tale, but yours came true. Congratulations.
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#656463 - 10/01/08 07:00 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Kevin Edward Rose
Serious Contributor
Registered: 10/02/06
Posts: 1477
Loc: Richmond, IN U.S.A.
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Brian: It was in one of those two mags that I first discovered JPF, and I'm sure I was just one of many. Perhaps, you have made some friends because of your appearance, so in some small way, maybe your life did change.
Back on the original subject, one has to appreciate the way Glen Hansard was willing to give a break to a fellow performer. It says a lot about the character of the man.
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#656502 - 10/01/08 11:20 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Kevin Edward Rose]
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"Tampa Stan" Good
Top 10 Poster
Registered: 07/24/10
Posts: 26305
Loc: Tampa, Florida since 1973
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Wow, CONGRATS Steve...You're now Living Proof this kinda stuff STILL Happens! &..Proof-Positive you CAN make your own Breaks..IF ya work at it hard-enough.
Hopin' this Great News is only the Opening Chapter in a Great Success Story~
Best Wishes & Again, CONGRATS!!!
Big Guy-Hug,
Stan
(& Thanks for Sharing this Great Story...It's VERY Inspirational!)
_________________________
I try to write For The Ages, yet I'm aware about the only 200-year-old Pop Songs that have survived are Nursery Rhymes....
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#656505 - 10/01/08 11:40 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: ]
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Jack Swain
Serious Contributor
Registered: 08/31/06
Posts: 1543
Loc: Berwyn, IL, US
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Hey Steve, that is fantastic! I hope the world opens up to you, but listen to Brian. You have to make it happen. Wow, talk about a fairy tale story!
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#656506 - 10/01/08 11:50 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Kevin Edward Rose]
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Johnny Daubert
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 01/27/01
Posts: 7116
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Hey Steven! When we met at a couple of JPF showcases back in 2005, (Brooklyn, for one, at a place called "Sputniks; Boston at The Regent Theater; and, for the live radio broadcast we did in Portsmouth, New Hampshire), I knew you had something special. (You got two girls to sing with you in Portsmouth, right?!) Being one of the very best nice guys, (along with your Alaskan stories then), and cool songs I heard live, as well as on your CD you gave me, ("Carolina"), THANKS again!, it is GREAT to read about this latest situation of yours! Congrats!
Folks, this couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. He made a point of not just talking with all the JPFers at the showcases, but was a great listener as well. When I saw Steven perform, his passion and talents came across beautifully.
The CD I have, "Carolina", has the song of the same title he was singing at the showcases. WOW! The melody has that flow of going up, then coming down, and with the chords used, just has a memorable haunting sound to it, along with his unique voice.
I would like to see as many FOLKS do everything they can to help promote and support Steven Bacon. I mean, talk about a true Just Plain Folk! Steven should be the poster boy for us. Has all the honesty, heart, talent and determination, with the willingness to learn from all he experiences. I'd say all that, along with his latest good story, has him poised for any next step. Let's help him get to the next steps!
Way to go Steven! Keep coming back here, and if you can, take part in several forums. We all would enjoy your points of view, I'm sure.
Big Congrats,
John, (who was with my wife, Cindy, the blonde you might remember better than me)! I played guitar for the songs, Too Little Time, and "Laser In Space". (Laser, to go along with the space theme of Brooklyn's "Sputnik". Remember that place downstairs? Sound issues that Brian had to deal with?
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#656519 - 10/01/08 12:38 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Johnny Daubert]
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Rick Heenan
Serious Contributor
Registered: 09/07/04
Posts: 1320
Loc: Lockport NY, usa
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Wow! Man you have just lived my lifelong dream. Every time I go to a concert I daydream to myself that Clapton, or a similar icon of rock and blues, does the same thing to me. I hope I get to hear you someday Steven.
"Once", excellent movie that has its place in my all time favorites list. JPFer's turned me on to that movie. Any Beatle fan should check out "Across the Universe" too.
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#656524 - 10/01/08 12:58 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Rick Heenan]
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Dave Rice
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 02/20/05
Posts: 3188
Loc: Glen Rose, TX , USA
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Steven:
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story with us. Dreams can come true. If you never reach the goal you've set for yourself, at least you have an idea of how "fame feels." More important is that you have shared it with many who will never have such an opportunity.
My best wishes to you for future happines, health and musical success. Busking has to be a difficult way to eek out a living... but it obviously has the potential for rewards.
Dave
http://www.showcaseyourmusic.com/DaveRice
_________________________
Fame is fleeting... money will last a little longer... but a good song is forever! Showcase Your Music
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#656539 - 10/01/08 02:01 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Beth G. Williams
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 04/24/07
Posts: 6804
Loc: Massachusetts
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Hey Steve,
Let me jump on the proverbial bandwagon and say congrats!!
The story is inspiring in so many ways -- not only that you got to experience that moment, but also how it was arranged. So great to hear stories of The Rich & Famous being decent human beings.
Plus, I see you're from Westbrook! Yay, paper mills!! My parents have a beachhouse in Scarboro, and had cousins in Westbrook for many years. Plus, I'm from Newton originally and and so love your references to the "T". I know the arena (tons of friends went to BU), so I can literally imagine the whole deal.
Good for you, and keep at it!
Cheers,
Beth
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#656619 - 10/01/08 06:41 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Beth G. Williams]
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Polly Hager
Helping Hand
Registered: 09/21/08
Posts: 2499
Loc: Cincinnati, OH USA
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Wow, what a great experience! My heart was racing reading it! Very moving. Thanks for sharing it. Best wishes for your future. :-)
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#656638 - 10/01/08 08:21 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Polly Hager]
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Andrew Aversa
Serious Contributor
Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 759
Loc: Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Steven, absolutely amazing story... BEST of luck to you!! You clearly have the talent, motivation and personality to be successful 
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#656642 - 10/01/08 08:39 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Tricia Baker
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 07/12/03
Posts: 8302
Loc: Greenwood, LA USA
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Steven, I was very moved by your story. Here's wishing more good things come your way. I know you were ELATED!
_________________________
"Grits is one of those country-boy words that is both singular and plural-like deer, elk and sheep. I think the singular is appropriate when there's a modifier that makes it clear one is talking about something specific. Like, 'Grits are good for you, but these here grits is tasty.'"~~Joe Wrabek
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#656648 - 10/01/08 09:15 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Tricia Baker]
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Steve West
Serious Contributor
Registered: 03/01/05
Posts: 905
Loc: Mpls, MN USA
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Great story! Best of luck! A long, long time ago, I lived a couple of blocks away from the Oriental Theatre in Milwaukee and I remember being woken up from a nice Saturday morning sleep around 11AM one day by some kind of racket going outside my window. Well, it turned out to be a couple of trouble makers practicing in the park out my window. Turns out, they went went over and played in front of the Theatre untill Chrissie Hynde and the boys showed up and well....the rest is history....  .....I did get to go back stage to a Violent Femmes show a number of years later to visit with a friend of mine who was playing horns with them... it was all good.... and again, great story!
Edited by Steve West (10/01/08 09:18 PM)
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#656649 - 10/01/08 09:28 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Steve West]
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Lynn Orloff
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 04/06/06
Posts: 5018
Loc: PA of the great USA
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Hi Steve,
I hope that much fruit is borne as a result of this meeting and that you can bring home more "bacon" (pun intended). I'll tell you what if it doesn't pan out (and I know it will) you could always go into writing because you certainly have a way with words and I was totally engaged in your story. I found it very witty and funny.
Best,
Lynn
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#656652 - 10/01/08 09:44 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Steve West]
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Mark Kaufman
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 09/25/07
Posts: 5866
Loc: Minneapolis
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Wow Steven, I feel like I just watched a lost Frank Capra movie about busking. I always dreamed of such a scenario happening to me while I was freezing my ass off on far flung corners in my younger days. I used to hitchhike around the country and I'd busk for change...only I hadn't even heard the word "busk" back then.
You made my night, though. It happened to SOMEONE. I think all those people who actually stop and listen and toss a few coins---you know, the ones who really do stop and smell the roses---I think they all would like to see this happen...and when it really did happen for you, I'm sure a lot of those people felt just as rewarded as you did, because they got to BE there for that Big Moment.
Listen to Brian...he pulls no punches and he knows how things work. Keep on singing.
"Lay down your weary tune, lay down,
Lay down the song you strum,
And rest yourself 'neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum."
-Bob
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#656683 - 10/02/08 12:24 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Mark Kaufman]
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Cher Klosner
Serious Contributor
Registered: 04/30/07
Posts: 332
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oh WOW Steven!!! What a fantastic story - I am just sitting here grinning ear to ear, so full of happiness for you!!!!!
Please keep us posted on upcoming events!! This just made my day - thanks!
Cher
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#656696 - 10/02/08 02:30 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Mark Kaufman]
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stevenbacon
Casual Observer
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 10
Loc: westbrook, maine, usa
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I want to thank everyone for all of your very kind comments and warm words of encouragement!
Hey John, I do remember hanging out with you on the just plain folks east coast tour. we had a good time!your songs rocked! thanks, man!
So a few updates..... since the big day the following things have happened, all in this last week:
I was asked to sing my song and tell my story at an Antje Duvokot / Chris O'Brien concert at the Me and Thee showcase in Marblehead MA. That's a room I've been working on getting into for awhile now! It's run by a wonderful woman named Kathy Sands-Boehmer who is sort of like the guardian angel of songwriters out here.
please allow me to inturupt this update to give some pertinant links:
http://www.meandthee.org
http://www.chrisobrienmusic.com
http://www.antjeduvekot.com
One of the performers from that night, Chris O'Brien had a similar experience to my swell season break when he won a contest to be on the Garrison Keiler show and got to play live on the radio to the millions of listeners of the Prairie Home Companion. I've been able to better understand my situation thanks to chris.
So, Chris and Antje Rocked the show. They both blew my mind. i now understand why they are a couple of the fastest up and coming artists in the Boston area.
The next day I was invited by Ellis Paul's management (same managers as Anjte)to spend the afternoon with Ellis before a show in new hampshire. I received the invitation from one of Ellis' mangers, the wonderful Rachel Klein. Rachel, along with Brian and Kathy, has been helping guide me through the decisions I have before me now. Rachel saw me playing the street in harvard square about a week before the big break and offered me her card then with an offer on some tips on breaking into the boston scene. she's been great since and has given me some fantastic advice.
Spending the afternoon with Ellis was an AMAZING experience. Ellis spent a couple hours with me in his green room at the show, pregig, trading songs, giving me advice, and generally schooling me in the craft that he is a master of. if you don't know his music, you NEED to hear him! He will blow you away. if he is in your town then GO SEE HIM! You'll see what i'm talking about. go to his site.. it's http://WWW.ELLISPAUL.COM
Other News:
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Since then I've been in touch with another down to earth and wonderful woman who is very well connected in the songwriter scene and........is interested in managing me! I'm all for that.
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I've been in touch with a band in the last few days who are interested in having me open for them in a notable 1,000 person size venue.
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so yesterday, i was busking in harvard square, spending the day with a girl from the boston globe who's going to be doing a story on me. her and i first met while i was busking a few weeks ago. then i didn't know she was a writer, but she told me she sang, so i taught her a few of my songs and we sang together for the bums, the harvard law students, the homeless punk rocker kids, and the affluent shoppers. she happened to also be at the swell season concert.
we were breaking down the gear when a woman came up to ask that I sing one more song... i was running late for the club passim open mic, but there was something special about her, so I set back up my gear and sang her the song I sang at the Swell Season show.
somehow ,it turns out that she's a Hollywood producer. a real one, not an aspiring one. she's also a songwriter who's had a platinum album and hit single (she gave me her card and I googled her). she has wonderful inside advice to give and she's so in tune with her creative process and making her own dreams come true that i'm very excited to learn from her.
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this evening I did a podcast with CD Baby and talked about being a busker and what it was like to play the swell season show. Of course I mentioned JPF and Brian, and there will be a link to this website on the cdbaby download page of the podcast. CD baby will let me know when it's going to air and i'll post it here.
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So...many of these things are happening because I've taken Brian's advice to heart.... about being the most persistent and aggressive about following up on leads then I've ever been. it's really paying off!
i'm beginning to feel like you have to put your entire heart and soul into your art and wait for miracles to happen... ask and you'll receive, knock and it will be opened. you ask by devoting yourself to your dream and it's a process of taking big emotional risks. when things started to happen to me a few weeks ago, i was feeling like less then nothing in terms of who i am in the songwriter world and the professional world in general. on some days i felt like no more then a begger. it's SCARY, but don't be afraid to be afraid.
wait a minute... ok, it sounds like my cat, ralphie, is eating tape in the other room... must go and intercede on his little kitty stomach's behalf. hang on ralphie, daddy's coming!
until next timem
-Steven Bacon
http://www.stevenbacon.com
http://www.myspace.com/stevenbacon
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#656722 - 10/02/08 07:34 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Kevin Edward Rose
Serious Contributor
Registered: 10/02/06
Posts: 1477
Loc: Richmond, IN U.S.A.
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So, Steven, what have you been doing with your spare time?
Seriously, when you make it (and it sounds like you will), remember how others have helped you and pass it on. BTW, from the way you have been sharing your experiences, I have no doubt that this advice is completely unnecessary.
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#656736 - 10/02/08 08:20 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Kevin Edward Rose]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Thanks for updating this story for us Steven.. I think it's a real excercise in how to succeed. It's not any 1 thing, but a series of non stop persistent efforts that keep adding on to each other. It's like stacking up rocks until you have a mountain.. just keep adding to it and adding to it relentlessly and eventually you'll be able to climb up on top of it.
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#656740 - 10/02/08 08:34 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Tom Tracy
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 09/06/02
Posts: 2558
Loc: Lumberport,WV, USA
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What a great story, and a breath of fresh air. THANKS FOR SHARING!
An when you become famous (I'm not doubting), I'm sure you'll remain humble. You've got some deep roots to hold you firm. I remember a story I heard as a child - when Walt Disney was asked what it was like to be famous, he replied something like, "It doesn't keep the fleas off my dog." I think you'll have the same mentality.
Best of luck to ya, I can't wai to hear more updates.
How's the tape-eating ralphie?
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#656768 - 10/02/08 10:53 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Tom Tracy]
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Johnny Daubert
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 01/27/01
Posts: 7116
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Steven,
It just keeps getting better and better! (All The Time)! Yes, we did have some really cool talks and times. (All the waiting and warming up for one song at each place! Who else does that over and over, state after state? The Johnson's of course! Remember them? Remember their son? People like you and them made the waiting a real cool experience for Cindy and me. Thanks again for being so nice with us. Cindy said last night when I told her about your story, ("Ah,, that's great! He is so personable, good for him!)" She met a lot of people that spring and summer and remembers you and the stories of your travel and all. Keep telling your stories in your songs too!
Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Even with the ways of you enjoying your journey by doing everything you can, the real benefactors are your listeners.
Happy for you,
John and Cindy
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#656772 - 10/02/08 11:20 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Johnny Daubert]
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Patrick Bryant
Serious Contributor
Registered: 04/21/01
Posts: 927
Loc: Glendale, CA, USA
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Heh heh; you go, Steven!
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#656813 - 10/02/08 02:02 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Patrick Bryant]
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Mike Dunbar
JPF Mentor
Registered: 04/13/01
Posts: 8122
Loc: Nashville Tennessee
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Steven,
What a wonderful story. Inspiration is not a gift, it is a torch that is passed along during the human race. You are passing it well. Keep us informed.
Mike
_________________________
Anybody who’s made it will tell you, you can make it. Anyone who hasn’t made it will tell you, you can’t -John Mayer Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure. -Earl Wilson It's only music. -niteshift Mike Dunbar Music
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#656816 - 10/02/08 02:26 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Ande Rasmussen
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 02/11/01
Posts: 2259
Loc: Martindale, TX, USA
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hey steven,
congratulations
what an inspiring story
wish you the best with your music
ande
_________________________
Ande Rasmus sen
Ande R a s m u s s e n@aol.com
Ande R a s m u s s e n.com
SongRamp.com/ande
MySpace.com/anders
Texas Grammy Gov 06-08
grammy.com/Texas
Editor Of "Inspirations for Songwriters"
SongWriterBlog.com
Explore the message archive
To receive IFS
SEND an EMPTY email to:
difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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#656818 - 10/02/08 02:28 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Ande Rasmussen
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 02/11/01
Posts: 2259
Loc: Martindale, TX, USA
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Amen
when something good happens you gotta keep pushing
reminds me of the question:
"How do I get an agent to sell my songs?"
people are hoping someone will come along who cares more about their songs than they do.
the answer is D. I. Y. show some initiative
Ande
Steven: Congrats on the great opportunities that are opening up. As I told Steven on the phone, when something good happens, it's just the START of the effort you need to put in to really make something happen. Never sit and WAIT for anything to result from an occurence like this. Only YOU can push it forward and walk through all the doors that are open and find new ones to open as you move forward. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next to Steven, who aside from being a very passionate performer is a really nice guy!
Brian
_________________________
Ande Rasmus sen
Ande R a s m u s s e n@aol.com
Ande R a s m u s s e n.com
SongRamp.com/ande
MySpace.com/anders
Texas Grammy Gov 06-08
grammy.com/Texas
Editor Of "Inspirations for Songwriters"
SongWriterBlog.com
Explore the message archive
To receive IFS
SEND an EMPTY email to:
difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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#656821 - 10/02/08 02:40 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Ande Rasmussen
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 02/11/01
Posts: 2259
Loc: Martindale, TX, USA
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hey steven,
more good things keep happening
contact NPR
Suggesting your Story to them
http://www.npr.org/about/pitch/
you might find more great ideas at
http://cdbaby.net/tips
I'll mention you in my next IFS / SongWriterBlog issue
now I need to see the movie
I think I have it on my DVR
HBO's been showing it lately
Ande
_________________________
Ande Rasmus sen
Ande R a s m u s s e n@aol.com
Ande R a s m u s s e n.com
SongRamp.com/ande
MySpace.com/anders
Texas Grammy Gov 06-08
grammy.com/Texas
Editor Of "Inspirations for Songwriters"
SongWriterBlog.com
Explore the message archive
To receive IFS
SEND an EMPTY email to:
difs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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#656986 - 10/03/08 09:36 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Ande Rasmussen]
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Shandy
Serious Contributor
Registered: 12/23/00
Posts: 589
Loc: New York City
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The first break couldn't have fallen to a more deserving guy... and few folks would have the head on their shoulders to follow it up the right way, like you have.
I'm still bummed about missing you in New Haven last year, but if you're back in the area again give me a shout and I'll find you another slot somewhere...
SL
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#659127 - 10/11/08 03:01 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Shandy]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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I believe more has happened with this including a gig with the Bacon Brothers coming through. Can you update everyone Steven?
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#659132 - 10/11/08 03:14 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Caroline
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 10/27/07
Posts: 3139
Loc: Texas
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This is an awesome story. Congrats! Hope even more good fortune comes your way!!
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#659134 - 10/11/08 03:24 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Letha Allen
Serious Contributor
Registered: 01/01/08
Posts: 1406
Loc: Michigan
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Hi Steven,
Congratulations on your success story. I know what it is like to busk, I have done a little in our small town. We laugh everytime we watch a video of me busking and doing a song I wrote called Black Widow. It is about a homeless person, and I am sitting there playing my heart out in the video, when I guy goes by in the video. He comes back and throws a loud bunch of change into my box, and I smile a little at him to thank him, taking me out of my moment. I just kept thinking, he was the only guy who had to throw change, I just wish it wouldn't have jingled so loud lol.
The main reason I wanted to speak to you was to tell you the story itself is just amazing in the way you relay it. It was as if the way you narate it made me feel every bit of the emotions you felt, almost makes you cry lol.
All the best to you and many more successes,
Letha
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#659267 - 10/12/08 05:39 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Letha Allen]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Hey Steven,
You're overdue for an update!
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#659520 - 10/13/08 10:57 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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DukeWill
Serious Contributor
Registered: 06/22/03
Posts: 1984
Loc: Louisiana, USA
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That's an amazing story. Even more amazing that you pulled the song off. Way to go!
_________________________
Thanks,
Bill
(New Sig: What do I know? Good luck, songwriter!)
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#659956 - 10/15/08 02:41 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: DukeWill]
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stevenbacon
Casual Observer
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 10
Loc: westbrook, maine, usa
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hi everyone,
update time...
i've been in touch with michael bacon of the Bacon Brothers (a band that he's in with his brother, the famous actor Kevin Bacon)
when i told michael about my story, the first thing he did was say "steven you need a publicist!"... so michael went out of his way to hook me up with one of the biggest PR firms in the nation (located in NYC) who called me and offered to wave their usual $5,000 a week fee and are now trying to get me on a talk show like ellen, letterman or oprah to talk about the story and play my song. that's happening for the next few weeks and we'll see if anyone bites.
not only did michael bacon get me the best PR firm possible to work for me pro-bono, he's also invited me to play with him and his bro, kevin bacon at a 1,000 seat venue on nov 9. those guys are awesome.
it'll be at patriot place (where the patriot's home stadium is), and is in a performing arts venue that's just opened up there called "something live".
if you are in the area, come down and see my first proper set in a gia-normous venue!
tickets are at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/01004101872944F1?camefrom=AFF_ARTISTDIRECT&brand=tm
other news....
---the boston globe has done a story on me, and should be in this sunday's (oct 19) paper.
--portland maine newspaper "the portland phoenix" did an article on me... it's online at: http://thephoenix.com/Portland/Music/69639-Portland-scene-report-October-10-2008/
--i now officially have a wonderful manager. Kathy Sands-Boehmer, http://www.harbortownmusic.com
-i've been asked to play club passim in cambridge, ma, on nov. 3rd. Club Passim ( http://www.clubpassim.org )is a very high profile folk music club in the boston area, and my favorite place to listen to music, so i'm very excited!
---on my website, http://www.stevenbacon.com there's now the audio of the whole thing unfolding with glen hansard and i at the swell season concert, with him asking me up on stage, and me playing my song "charlie wants to run". if you reread the account of it and then listen to it, you can sort of figure out what's happening in some parts, like when i first get up on stage and there's a loud cheer, that's when glen gave me a big hug before i played my song. i've also recorded the song charlie wants to run, posted it on my homepage, and you can download it for free if you care to.
other then that, i'm busy trying to spruce up my website,remix past recordings, and record new stuff.
with pretty much no budget as of now, the recording new stuff project is going kinda slow, but i'm doing my best with my home gear and will hopefully have a new ep before the bacon bros show.
i'll let you all know when something new happens.
thanks everybody for your kind words and support!!!!!!
almost forgot... i was recogonized without my guitar for the first time ever this weekend. i was watching my friend play at a local boston venue, and a table of people who had seen me play at the swell season recognized me and were excited to meet me. i sort of felt famous for a few minutes. we hung out and it was pretty cool... first time i've ever experienced anything like that!
-steven bacon
http://www.stevenbacon.com
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#659957 - 10/15/08 02:49 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Jim Offerman
Serious Contributor
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 694
Loc: Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wow! Aren't you on a roll! Do give me a heads up when you get around to that big European tour!
Have fun!
Jim.
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#659965 - 10/15/08 04:47 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Jim Offerman]
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Jerry Jakala
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 02/01/04
Posts: 2524
Loc: Pinellas Park.FL USA
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This is a great story!
Your heart and head are in the right places.
Congratulations!
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#659968 - 10/15/08 05:39 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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MidniteBob
Serious Contributor
Registered: 01/27/08
Posts: 1058
Loc: Raleigh, ya'll
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Steven,
My computer's been down for a few days, so I'm coming in late to the party, and man, what a party!!!
Looking forward to hearing & seeing more!
Midnite
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#661818 - 10/22/08 02:52 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Punkey
Casual Observer
Registered: 10/17/08
Posts: 8
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I just read your wonderful story and was thrilled to see that it really can happen this way. Your passion and perseverence has finally paid off for you and I am sure the rewards are very well deserved. You have paid your dues and it's time to reap the harvest of fame and fortune which I wish you with all my heart and prayers. I am looking forward to more fabulous updates.Congrats, and God Bless you. Idamarie
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#661823 - 10/22/08 03:11 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Punkey]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Hey Steven,
Thanks for posting the link. I am going to run something about this in the newsletter this week.
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#661824 - 10/22/08 03:15 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Here's a link I just used to get in as the other one caused me a little trouble, so in case you need an alternative:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massach..._taking_flight/
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#661952 - 10/22/08 05:31 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Herbie Gaines
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 05/04/03
Posts: 2802
Loc: Chicago,IL, USA
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Wow Steven
Truly truly amazing ! ! If someone made this story up, you'd think it wasn't true ! ! Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
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#661954 - 10/22/08 05:36 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Herbie Gaines]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Actually this is a case of life imitating art. = )
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#662303 - 10/23/08 10:39 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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theslowpush
Casual Observer
Registered: 10/23/08
Posts: 1
Loc: Brisbane, Australia.
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Thanks for sharing this. It's helped me to hang in there for a little longer. All the best with your future.
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#662307 - 10/23/08 10:46 PM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: theslowpush]
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Brian Austin Whitney
Bard of the Boards
Registered: 04/20/01
Posts: 16095
Loc: Indianapolis, IN USA
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Yeah, isn't this a nice breath of fresh air? We need a little positive news these days. I hope you hang around Slow Push. Lots of folks here understand what artists go through and we're a great support group when you're having a bad spell.
Brian
_________________________
Brian Austin Whitney Founder Just Plain Folks jpfolkspro@aol.com Skype: Brian Austin Whitney "Don't sit around and wait for success to come to you... it doesn't know the way." -Brian Austin Whitney
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#662346 - 10/24/08 02:39 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: Brian Austin Whitney]
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Linda Adams
Top 100 Poster
Registered: 06/12/06
Posts: 5511
Loc: Danville, CA, USA
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WOW, this is just a way cool story, Steven!
And hey (I have to say it before someone else does) now you'll be just ONE degree of separation from Kevin Bacon!
(collective groan) .... sorry guys.... had to!
Enjoy the ride! Keep us posted.
Linda
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#662426 - 10/24/08 11:00 AM
Re: jpf member gets a big break
[Re: stevenbacon]
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Hopeful Monster
Casual Observer
Registered: 08/15/08
Posts: 1
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That's a great story--especially the part where Steven reveals the occupational hazard of being unable to go pee for fear of losing his busking spot! Haha...
When I first moved to Toronto I had no money or job so I dressed up as the Emperor from Star Wars (somehow I have always managed to have a space costume on hand...) to panhandle--I prefer to think of it as performance art--shooting sparks at people with lighters concealed in my robe sleeves and displaying a small sign that read: "out of work and an empire to pay off..."
I had set up in front of the Much Music studio on Queen St. Would you believe they sent me away? But not before videotaping me first...!
"Once" was a great film, wasn't it?
Jason Ball
http://www.myspace.com/hopefulmonstermusic
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