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Just Plain Folks Minutes
Feb 26th, 2001 8p – 10p
John and Penni’s place

In attendance were 34 members and of that 14 were new. Welcome aboard!

Several topics were on the Agenda. A song circle developed afterward where 13 people performed. Thanks to Stacy Robin for bringing lots of percussion instruments. We had a jam session on a couple of the songs. Thanks to Ritt Henn for his stylistic up-right bass playing we had some really cool groves happening. Also, for the rest of us that just joined in on the harmonies of songs, we should give ourselves a hand.

Meetings:

Several ideas were thrown around and it appears the consensus was to continue to have them on the 4th Monday of the month.

Once a month meetings are all that is needed at present.

Paul Kulak has offered to host a JPF meeting in the future. This could pose a problem for Kulak’s Woodshed if we continue to have them on Monday’s. That is Kulak’s open mic night.

John and I have hosted the meetings thus far and until an alternative can be determined we can continue to host.

Alternative meeting places:

People’s houses -- if interested in hosting please email me at PenniJPF@aol.com
Venues -- some could work but this could get tricky due to Monday nights being Open Mic for some.
Coffeehouses -- Kulak’s – Genghis Cohen – Hallenbecks. Would they close up for the meeting?
Public library’s have rooms they might let us meet in.
Hal Cohen contact as a resource person for meeting places.
Charlie and Lari of Tujunga Canyon have offered their place for meetings when the weather gets warmer.
Love and Laughter Studio in Orange County has offered to host a meeting.

Hey guys, please email me if you are interested in hosting the next meeting. Or if you have an idea where we can host the next meeting.

Purpose of Showcases:

There was some discussion about the purpose of showcases. If the audience is made up of nearly all waiting talent to perform at the showcase then isn’t this really an OPEN MIC? Not really, because you can build your fan base, get a great review, or even get booked if the venue loves your music. The showcase can also be used to have an industry person come and hear your performance. The Showcase is designed for the performer to fill their particular needs. There is another purpose and that is to not only showcase the talent but the organization putting on the event as well. It should also be mentioned that if you are not at a point in your career that you feel comfortable performing at a Showcase then you may want to look into Open Mics.

Monthly Showcase at Hallenbeck’s General Store Announced:

Hallenbeck’s General Store – Every 4th Thursday will be JPF Showcase from 8p-10p with an Open mic to follow. The first showcase is scheduled for March 22nd; everyone is encouraged to email me if they are interested in performing in the Showcases. Pat Bryant offered to host the March open mic. An alternate or I will host the March Showcase. John M and Danny McBride have both volunteered to host any of the showcases. I encourage any of you to volunteer to host either the showcase or open mic.
Can Artists sing to tracks at Hallenbeck’s? Yes
Can Artists sing cover songs at Hallenbeck’s? Yes
Bruce makes an offer – When I spoke with Bruce to set up this showcase, he tells me that he offers a Live CD of your set for a cost of $25. For more details you can call Hallenbeck’s and speak to Bruce. Phone No. 818-985-5916

Alternative Genre Showcases:

Just like the JPF population is not all singer/songwriters, I do not want all Showcases to focus on that particular genre. There are lots of different genres out there that have not been in a Showcase and that is something that I would like to see change. It is not inconceivable to have more than one showcase happening a month in different genres. I would like to hear from you guys that are in other genres besides Singer/Songwriter. I NEED your help in making this happen. Jody Whitesides mentioned several venues that could accommodate a band for a Rock Showcase. Any ideas out there? It was suggested to contact Guitar Center, McCabe’s, and Blue Ridge Pickin Parlor for loaning of equipment.
Paladino’s at 6101 Reseda Blvd – reported to have a decent stage, sound system, and might be receptive to a JPF Showcase.
Hallenbeck’s – can accommodate a small band of two to three members max.
The Gig – Hollywood area, good for a band, decent stage, and sound system
Common Grounds – was mentioned as well.
Cobalt Café – reported to have a good-sized stage and into the grunge band type atmosphere.

Now that we have possibilities for a Rock Showcase, let me hear from Hip-Hop, Jazz, Fusion, R&B, POP, etc etc. So get me some information and I will see about setting up a showcase for your genre.

Showcase Committee:

After much discussion on setting up showcases, it was determined that it would be beneficial if more than one person works on putting it together. With that in mind, a Showcase Committee was mentioned. It was decided that this committee would meet and develop guidelines. Details and responsibilities to be worked out in the Committee. At the end of the meeting several people volunteered for the committee and we will be meeting within the next week.


Industry People at Showcases:

Some issues were addressed regarding industry people at showcases. It was made clear that JPF would not advertise to the general public or LA Chapter members that an Industry person was in the audience. Members are encouraged to promote their showcase performances and invite Industry people if they wish.

Benefit participation:

Kulak’s Woodshed just put on a benefit where several if not all the musicians were JPF members. JPF will support any member that chooses to be a part of a Benefit or charity function. There are so many great charities and benefits out there that JPF would be hard pressed to pick one over the rest to support. We encourage all JPF members to be involved in their community and support whatever cause they choose. JPF organization will reframe from supporting one specific charity at present time.


Monthly Announcements of JPF performances.

Calendar:

Brian Whitney is putting in place a Calendar where each member can go to that page on the website and post their gigs. Once or twice a month, I will send out emails to the LA Chapter email list reminding you to check out the Calendars on the website and support your fellow JPF members.

How can we bring in Music Fans?

The artist can utilize their email list by sending out regular updates on performances, having their gigs posted on their webpages and then encouraging traffic to the website.

Media Director:

This person will work closely with all the committees developed within the LA Chapter JPF community to exploit the musician to all forms of media for coverage. We want to make JPF a household name. Volunteers needed – Please Email me if interested.

Miscellaneous

Songwriting Workshop:

Alan Oday mentioned that he would like to see something along the lines of a “Listening Room-type” of discussion on music. Something along the lines of an informal song circle critique workshop. He would be happy to be the moderator. Could include listening to Top 40 or other cover songs or originals. I am looking into setting this up. Any ideas or suggestions?

School Program / Community Committee:

Gina Venturini brought up in the last meeting, she wondered if JPF would be interested in doing something with children. I think it is a great idea to get JPF involved in doing something for the schools and or the community. Harold Payne mentioned doing programs with Nursing Homes and rehabilitation facilities. I can also see shut-ins as well benefiting. Bread and Roses in the Bay Area was mentioned as well. All great ideas. Several people volunteered for the committee. If you are interested in participating please send me an email and I will put you in contact with the right people.

Intellectual Property Task Force:

Brian Corber (Attorney) mentioned this at the last meeting. He would like to speak with you if you are interested in the business part of your art. “You’re not in the music business, you ARE a music business!” Henry Mancini quote. Please contact Brian directly if you are interested in learning more. corberlaw@aol.com.


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Penni Merrick, LA Coordinator
P: 818-989-1617

Correction: Bruce Teitell of Hallenbeck's tells me that they can accommodate a larger band than was reported.
Bruce states: "...we can even have bigger bands on that stage because it pulls out and reconfigures." So, on one of the JPF Showcases we could have it be for something other than a Singer/songwriter Showcase. GREAT!

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Penni Merrick, LA Coordinator
P: 818-989-1617

Penni,

Sounds like a great meeting and a great momentum. I have spoken with several of the attendees and they were all thrilled with the vibe and energy of the meeting and were all impressed with your great organization of the meeting. Congrats to you all!

Brian