JPF Home Page Forums Mid North US Chapter Message Boards Chicago Chapter Message Board Our First Roadtrip Showcase!

Hi, everyone!
It's official--the first-EVER Just Plain Folks Midwest Roadtrip Showcase will be at Wise Fools Pub, on Lincoln just s. of Fullerton, on Mon. Aug. 11. Start time will probably be somewhere between 7-8 pm, depending on size of the lineup. This will be an acoustic AND electric evening, so bands will definitely be welcome. Thanks to all of you who've already signed up--the rest of you need to go RIGHT now and follow the links to the signup form. Copy me at Sandina@aol.com or sandina@rcn.com when you're done so I can maintain an accurate headcount for the venue.
We're still negotiating for a Tues. Aug. 12 venue. Haven't heard back yet from the Abbey or Uncommon Ground, but I do know that the Abbey has a regular Tuesday night open mic, so we might be able to take it over (with the venue's blessing) on a month's notice. I'd prefer the big room, of course, so we can have a second band-friendly evening, but all-acoustic is OK too. Any of you have a pipeline to another suitable venue (PA, no cover, food onsite or nearby, capacity sufficient for a lineup of at least 25 performers, relatively safe and transit-accessible 'hood), please let me know. I'd prefer to keep it within the city limits, but I do have a line on several venues in the south and west burbs as well.
As the dates draw near, we'll meet at my place for the logistics of volunteer staffing and organization. I apologize in advance for all the sewer construction on my block<g>.

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Sandy Andina
www.sandyandina.com
www.cdbaby.com/sandina
www.mp3.com/SandyAndina
www.waterdogmusic.com

Looking forward to being there and meeting all of you.

Hope some of our newer members will be there too !

bob Young

It sounds like fun, I hope it turns out good. I'll be looking forward to meeting you also, Bob! Of course, Sandy and I are OLD chums. (Mostly old) LOL

Herbie

Finally, we meet at a bar! I'll be there with bells on.

Miles Maxwell

Too bad Mr Cheeseman is departing....

Any news on the gig yet ?

Bob

Hello....testing, one two three......
mic check...testing.....

is this thing plugged in ?

If you mean Chuck's new gig, it's not quite like that. He and his wife Jill (who is taking an extended sabbatical from her medical practice) are taking to the open road in their van and planning to start their own business doing kids'music. Chuck's had much success doing kids' songs with the Old Town School's Wiggleworms program, and I am confident that he and Jill will make a go of it wherever they land. He will be posting a 'blog from the road; when I find out the url I'll let you know.

If you mean *our* gig (i.e., the showcase), we're on for Wise Fools Pub on Mon. 8/11. Start time and ordinal time slots (can't do exact chronologicsal ones for obvious reasons) will be e-mailed to you a couple of days beforehand once Brian has them worked out. Before that, there will be a general e-mail sent out to all who signed up to request reconfirmation--that will give the venue a better headcount and facilitate compiling the lineup. As to the 12th, Schubas and Uncommon Ground were already booked (their online calendars had not been updated; despite numerous e-mails I have heard nothing from the Abbey. At this point, we'll do what's being done at the Bluebird in Nashville--I will sign us up early for the Abbey's Tuesday open mic. You get 3-4 songs at the Abbey, normally--obviously, if we are to get our entire lineup in and still not compromise the Abbey regulars, we'll have to limit it to one or two songs (I'm leaning towards 2, since we won't be able to go around the rotation again like we would if we had the evening to ourselves).

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Sandy Andina
www.sandyandina.com
www.cdbaby.com/sandina
www.mp3.com/SandyAndina
www.waterdogmusic.com

Is it necessary to sign up if I just want to attend? (and not play any songs) Or can I just show up?

-Shawn

Shawn...

I hope you decide to perform...

It'll be good to hear everybody..

Sandy..thanks for both updates !

Bob

Sean, you don't have to sign up to attend. But I'd sure love to hear your stuff!

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! And I haven't completely given up on the notion of performing. But I ain't much of a singer, and my recent attempts to find a singer to work with have come up short. Is there a deadline for signing up to perform, by the way?

-Shawn

No deadlines yet, Sean.

Hey,
I'm a new member and I'm looking so forward to meeting all of you and performing on the 11th. My questions are how much time do each act get and would I have room to bring to back up dancers?
www.aderrick.com

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www.aderrick.com

Hi, Aderrick, and welcome aboard. You get one number of reasonable length, due to the large number of performers signed up. (Exceptions made only for JPF Awards nominees or winners and the band lending the backline, who get two). Then, if there's time, we go around the rotation again with whoever is left. This way, people with very late slots don't get discouraged and everyone gets to perform. Wise Fools has a modestly sized stage, so use discretion as to the number of dancers you bring. I assume you will be using backing tracks--so bring a CD player and cabling, as I am not sure the PA system has one in place.

------------------
Sandy Andina
www.sandyandina.com
www.cdbaby.com/sandina
www.mp3.com/SandyAndina
www.waterdogmusic.com

Hi Sandy and All,
In my haste to sign up for this event I neglected to nail down the usual (band) suspects travel plans and may have to settle for a stripped down unit. I gather some may perform to backing tracks on CD, but what's the policy concerning sequncers? I've done shows before where I had to replace percussion and keys with my Roland xp-80. Is this OK? If so, would I have to set up my keyboard before the show began or just before I went on? What other considerations should I make regarding logistics?

Hi, coz,
Don't see any problem with sequencers. Come early, bring extras of whatever cables, connectors, adaptors you use and talk to the sound person. Draw a schematic if possible and bring that too.

Sandy..

Since I did get a coule of nominations I will be doing two numbers..

The first will be my tribute to petroleum jelly..
I figure we can get the 12 musicians, 6 dancers, light show and paintball machines set up in 2 or 3 hours.
We'll be doing a scaled down version of the piece..I would guess..hmmm...maybe twenty two or twenty three minutes depending on how many tuba solos I do.

The second piece is actually a work in progress..it's called "Miami, Yourami" in which I recite the name of every elderly Jewish person injured in a traffic accident in Dade county in the last 6 and one half years.

This one could take days !

I will supply stage plots for both numbers but I might require some help in getting people to join in with the Motzi before the second piece.

Looking forward to seeing all of you (sleeping bags might be a good idea)

Bob

A gezundt uff dein pupik, Bobbeleh, as my mom down in Boca might say (FYI, Dade has nothing on Palm Beach County when it comes to old people and accidents--just ask anyone who was a pollwatcher in Nov. 2000). Two numbers will be fine--but how many aliyot? Is de gantze mishpocha coming to cheer you on? Oy. I'm getting verklempt. Tawk amongst yourselves.

Oy Gevelt !

Maybe a sing-a-long of My Yiddishe Mama !

Mazel Tov

Bob (boychick) Young

I think I'll do "Back in the USSR"!! My friend Boris is flying in from Moscow to do an incredible solo in the musical break on the skin flute. The crowd will be awed and mystified!! Will they mind Pyrotechnics going off while he does it? "Great White" did such a cool job with them in New England this year!!

Anyway Sandy, my friend Erin O'Toole (a nice jewish girl) runs the Abbey open mic on Tuesdays, I suggest you Email her at artie8420@earthlink.net and discuss it with her.

Attaboy Hoibie !

Now you're getting it..

Let's see how much fun we can have !

Bob

Hi Sandela - I was at the Abbey last night for a bloodshot records tribute to Alejandro Escoveda (who has come down with Hepatitis C)
The guy there said you need to talk to Patrick Looney about using the big room on Aug 12. He said to keep calling until you get him, that he's the guy who book it for non-band events. The Big Room would be so much better!!! I could bring in my portable sound dominatrix biosphere that hooks up my giant telescoping antennae and zaps subliminal messages into all the audiences brain. They walk out and promote me for 2 years after the show then. Even after only ONE song!!! I might let you use it also, Bobbushka, us old guys need to stick together!! It won't be free though (the room). Anyway, I'm trying to help.
Herbie

Unfortunately, we would indeed need to pay to use Da Big Room, which is not an option for us Starving Artists. Donna Adler expressed concern that we might be exceeding Wise Fools' maximum posted capacity, but I doubt it--it's a bigger club than it used to be and Rusty's in Santa Monica was no bigger (and hosted larger JPF showcases). Ripley Caine has suggested Bar Vertigo down on the edge of Ukie Village for the Aug. 12 showcase--friendly, lots of parking, and they wouldn't charge us. She hosts most of her Songwriter Slam nights there (the one I played Wed. night was at North Park Tap in Old Town--which we all agreed was not a good fit due to its heavily yuppie-sports-fan clientele and inadequate PA/lighting). If we want to take over any part of the Abbey's open mic, we have to be there IN PERSON to sign up--perhaps we can agree to all meet there early and sign up in sequence. They will not let us sign up a block of time collectively even if we were to cut our time slots down from their usual four songs apiece.

Hi !!

just checkin the board !!

terry
http://www.mp3.com/mydelusion

Hi Sandy- Only a few days away, have no info whatsoever. How about an update, baby? WWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
AAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZUU
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPP
PPPPPPPPPPP????????????????????
????????

Herbie


[This message has been edited by Brian Austin Whitney (edited 08-06-2003).]

OK, folks, official word is that the only official showcase will be Monday, 8/11, at Wise Fools. We can't afford to pay for a room, so there goes the big room at the Abbey for the 12th--we can sign up for a bunch of slots for their open mic, but we need to be there in person to do it--each of us. No signing up a block (though if we take a bunch of 4-song slots I don't see why we couldn't share them with other JPF members). Was hoping to get Bar Vertigo, but RIpley hasn't been able to hook me up with the booker (and they may have been booked long before this). We could try to meet at my place for bagels Sat or Sun. aft. (Brian will arrive around midnightSun/Mon) to preplan as much of the logistics as we can--unfortunately, all my other evenings are taken with meetings, doctors' appts. or gigs.Be forewarned--parking will be tough, as they're tearing up my street for water work.

Hey youse guys...this is Von Cello checking in from Brooklyn. Well, actually, now I live in Queens, but we don't have to make that public.

Anyway, I'll be driving into your fair city to play on the 11th and I was wondering if anyone has any ideas about hooking up a college radio interview. I've done a few in New York State, and I thought it would be cool to do one there. You can write here or email me at voncello@voncello.com. I'm a rock cellist who plays in many genres, but I suppose I'm mostly in the alternative genre. You can check me out here: http://www.voncello.com/

Any ideas about housing, or picking up other gigs for the future would be appreciated. Thanks!

Herbie,

What do you need to know? Just email any questions you have.

Brian

The Chicago show is turning into a monster sized show! Here's the artists signed up so far:

Sandy Andina
Kate Newcomer
Debe Welch
Jen Porter
Gold Coast Refuse (Early Request)
Bruce T. Holmes
Herbie Gaines
Jefford J. Humes
Kathy Fry (Early Request)
Debe Welch
Bob Young
Donna Adler
Chris Lang
Wendell McCaskill
Rich Carr
Amanda Sena
Colleen Wild Band
Jeff Vezain
Shelley Miller
Ron Hayden
Maggie Daly & Angie Jackson
Melissa Rose Ziemer
Anthony Whitaker
John Ludwig
marqseven
Michele Moon (Late Request)
Edye Evans Hyde
Xplicit Content
Aderrick
Michael Plishka
Pinkeye d'Gekko (Not performing)
Teresa Long (available Tuesday only)
Orphans
My Delusion
Rose Fries
Shannan Sullivan
Kara Hetz
Steff Mahan
Ben Hollis (Early Request)
Carmen Electra Paradise
Anita Lin (Early Request)
Tony Pica
Ray Musicbear Baker
Matt and Lou
COLLEEN WILD
Tumchee
Daniel Connolly
Von Cello
Stephanie Rogers
Karen and Caryn (Not performing)
victoria davitt
Brandon Pusey
David Wilner
Scottish McMillan
Phylis Renee Marconi
Zero Defekts
Toni LaManna
Frank Lamphere
Shawn Christopher
Samantha Twigg Johnson
Montana Bob
David Davenport
Cassandra Vohs-Demann 
Jodi Lynn Beach
Sarah Hamel
Paul Taneja
Van Borden

(Most updated list of interested performers as of the morning of 8-8-03)

That's close to the all time record of 63 set in Los Angeles!

Brian



[This message has been edited by Brian Austin Whitney (edited 08-08-2003).]

hi,

wow... that is a huge line up of performers ..Has anyone inquired abt the Gallery Cabaret for a Aug 12th show
i can give them a call...

we wanted to bang out 3 or 4 song's in abt 15 minutes

just curious,
terry
http://www.mp3.com/mydelusion

That is a truly amazing list....

If everybody shows up...WE"RE SCREWED !

We'll be there till noon tuesday...
Oh well...Chicago's pretty in the morning.

Bob Young

But seriously folks..

I'm scheduled for two songs..if you want me to just do one to make room for somebody, I'll be glad to..

Lemme know

Bob

Terry,
Please call Gallery and see if we could get Tuesday. It would certainly give us more breathing room for Monday night. Also, I just found out that we need a FULL backline for Monday night. Ron Hayden can lend a guitar amp, I can lend a couple of acoustic combo amps plus a bass head and cabinet, but we don't have drums. Bear in mind, though, that unless an act lends its ENTIRE backline, they don't get the extra number for Monday. We can't give each person that donates equipment an extra number or we'll be there for breakfast Tuesday. We're set for PA--Nort says the club has a full front-of-house rig. (Wonder if he knows how much beer he's gonna need, heh, heh)

Sandy,

i called GC but did not get anyone to pick up ..
so i called Bighorse and left a message ..i told them they will have a sizeable crowd if they can host it.

as far as drums i will talk to my drummer and see if he's willing to leave his kit up for the nite but he's already moaning about this set because of his schedule
all talk to him tomorrow.


terry

[This message has been edited by TERRY (edited 08-06-2003).]

Have played Big Horse before. Kinda funky (and very limited parking--sometimes bribed a restaurant valet if the load-in lot was full), but it'll do. At least it has decent burritos.Interestingly, we got Wise Fools because I originally called Fabian asking to book us at Big Horse, and he now books Wise Fools instead. Will it go round in circles (as Billy Preston sang)? If your drummer can donate his kit for the evening that'd be great. Is the full My Delusion lineup playing? Remember, extra song requires full backline loan.

SANDY,
haha

it's still up in the air whether our drummer can evan make it to this

WE ARE CONSIDERING A FRIEND TO SIT IN IF OUR DRUMMER CAN'T MAKE IT ummm fabian...yes... he gave us a few brutal nites to play Bighorse while 2 of the band's he manages headlined a quest showcase at Park West. (shrugs)

i'll hopefully have more info tommorow.

terry

Sandy,

Does this venue have the capacity to record our performances from the board and perhaps burn us a copy? Am I causing trouble?

: )

Wendell

Wendell,
I know they have a sophisticated board but I don't know if they've got a burner or DAT recorder. I remember that Chris at Velvet Lounge in DC made some excellent live-off-the-board recordings back in May 2001, but I never was able to get a copy. Logistics will be pretty complex Mon. night as it is. If you have a recorder of some sort (MD, for example) you are probably welcome to plug it in and record yourself, but check when you get there. If I find out sooner I'll post the answer here.

BigHorse is closing it's doors here's the link:

http://hometown.aol.com/bighorselounge1/BigHorseLounge.html

will try to Gallery Cabaret\

Terry
my delusion

Does Lair Scott (Big Horse's talent buyer) have any other venues he can give us for Tues.? I'm also going to call Bill's Blues in Evanston, where I'm playing Oct. 19

sandy,

i called him and he is working on it.

if he can help, he will give me an answer in 24 hrs

It sounds like his hand's are full trying to relocate and reschedule bands that were booked at Bighorse I'LL be sure to at least buy him a drink !! ..i also linked him this board to get him up to speed on the situation.

terry

Thanks, Terry! Also, if Wise Fools does not have its own soundperson, I need an EXPERIENCED volunteer. I have an outside guy in mind, but as he's not a member and it's a huge undertaking, I don't want to make him commit unless he has to. And how are we coming with a backline, folks? Don't wanna have to make Monday an acoustic-only evening!

Hi Guys,

If we are going to add a venue, we need to be sure that half (or somewhere in that ballpark) of these folks are available and willing to shift. Time is running out.

Right now we have 6 hours of perform.. even if 10 drop out, that's 5 hours. We need a great sound person under any circumstances...

My concern is that people will all bail out long before the end leaving the folks who have been there all night to play for only a few people.. so lets try to plan this out so that everyone gets the most out of it.

Brian

Note:

We have no award winners performing on this lineup (amazingly enough with this many) but we do have several nominees from past years. But there is no way we can acommodate extra songs for nominees as we like to do at smaller shows. So only the band that supplies the back line will be doing a second song.. everyone else, including bands and the nominees present will be doing 1 song each. It's only fair.

Brian

Just a quick update, everyone--we're at 65 signups thus far for Wise Fools on Monday. It's looking obvious that barring serious attrition, a Tuesday night showcase must be added. I contacted the Gallery Cabaret, and the owner is delighted over the prospect of dumping his normal Tuesday blues jam in favor of at least 20 acts and entourages showing up. Only open question is whether Tressa, his regular Tuesday bartender will agree, and he has a call in to her right now. I also have a call into Bill's Blues, a brand new venue in Evanston. I think for right now they're only booked weekends, though the Reader states they'll have music every night. At this point, the Gallery looks like our best bet. I'd like to know how many people would rather play Tuesday night, especially if it means not having to play at 2 a.m. I also need an HONEST appraisal of how many of you will play at Wise Fools (regardless of time slot, except for those who'd previously requested a later slot). If people will be bailing rather than playing late, we need to know that NOW. Brian is drawing up the tentative performance order as we speak.

Am I too late? I just found this site recently and decided to join. It seems the Monday night showcase is booked pretty solid but I'd still be interested in coming out to meet and listen to all of you even if there is no slot for me to play, unless Tuesday night is a go but I have to rearrange my work schedule a little bit.

If you do book the Gallery Caberet, that would be cool. My friend and I played there quite a few years ago. Since I'm the late comer, I'd be glad just to show up and meet as many of you as I can. I'll be bringing my wife and maybe my collaborator if he can make it.

Look forward to meeting everyone. Should be lots of fun. I'll check back later.

Van Borden (a.k.a. Buzz Grudge)

Welcome, Van! Whether or not (and where) you decide to play, you are NEVER too late to come out and schmooze with us Monday night! Looking forward to meeting you. We're anxiously awaiting confirmation from Johnny at Gallery for Tuesday, and he really is looking forward to as many acoustic acts as we can bring in (he says the club's capacity is 100--and having played both places, I know Wise Fools is easily twice
Gallery's size).

Hi Sandy:

Just replied to your email. It's fine with me if I don't play. It's not like I could expect to in the 11th hour. Besides, it's been a while since I've played solo in public so that's no big deal to me at this point. Not that I couldn't be persuaded with a sufficient number of beers in me .

Really though, I just think JPF is such a cool concept and really would like to meet as many of you as I can. Might be tough though with all those performances - wouldn't want to be rude while they play.

For those who wish to network Monday night, Wise Fools' music room is separate from the bar, so we can do our schmoozing without interrupting the performers. Oh, and they have an impressive array of beers on tap.

I'm guessing realistically the most you could get on would be 8 per hour. That make 8 hours of performers!!! Seems kinda crazy. If you pull this off Sandy, you're gonna collapse on Wednesday (Probably on top of Brian's exhausted body). I remember the first meeting at the Abbey on a Sunday. There was about 7 of us!!!!

Herbie