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

I've played two of these at Rusty's On The Pier in Santa Monica, plus one each at Arlington, VA's Luna Park Grille and Washington DC's Velvet Lounge. The latter two were much smaller (20-23 acts each); but at both Rusty's showcases, Brian was able to get about 10 performers per hour on and off the stage like clockwork (including the 60-person show for which 90 had signed up). Secret is to have that backline intact and everyone check in and be tuned and ready at their appointed time (plus play one of their shorter songs). I have seen it done and it works. 'Course, it'd sure help if we could shift some folks to Tuesday<g>.

Herbie,

We've done over 60 performers before. We usually average 10 performers per hour. Since most folks are solo, 4 minutes a song.. 2 minutes to unplug and hand the cord to the next solo performer. But we're still looking to split the night so we have a couple of relaxed 4 hour events instead of one packed 6-6.5 one.

Brian

Lest anyone think 2 minutes isn't a long change out.. try standing silent at a mic sometime for 2 full minutes in front of a waiting audience.. time it... it will speed you up for the rest of your career.

Brian

I'm cool with it, I was just kinda thinking out loud at one in the am!! Hell, all I really have to do is show up! I'm sure I can manage that

Is anyone bringing an amp that I can use for my guitar? I am vacationing with my family in Wisconsin Sun-Tues and will be driving to Chicago with a bunch of car seats and what have yous in the car and I don't have any room for an amp. Also, I want to bring some flyers for this big festival I'm playing next weekend just outside of Chicago, is that cool?

There will be at least one electric guitar amp and I may bring an acoustic one too. But Wise Fools has a full PA with DI capability, which is all you'd really need for an acoustic guitar. By all means bring flyers--this is a networking as well as a performance event.

Should I bring my guitar both Mon and Tue (assuming the GC comes through)?

I only ask because I recently bought a brand new Taylor and don't want to take it out yet unless I know I'm going to play. Trying to treat it like a baby while it's still new.

[This message has been edited by Buzz Grudge (edited 08-08-2003).]

Buzz,

As soon as we confirm a second venue, we'll ask everyone which show they can/want to perform at.. then set lineups.. it depends on how the split works to whether we'll have slots at both shows for folks. Our first goal is to take some of the pressure off of the Monday night show.

Brian

Brian:

I'll be glad to play Tuesday if it comes through. I'll wait for your follow up email and reply to that to confirm. I guess my point is, if there's a Tuesday night show, I don't see a need to bring my guitar on Monday.

thanks,

Buzz

Great News! We've got Gallery Cabaret booked for Tuesday, August 12th for a second Chicago Just Plain Folks Showcase!

We will email all the participants for the Monday show and shift those willing to Tuesday so each show is a bit more manageable. We'll also allow some folks to perform at both if possible (but we won't know til we get all the responses back from the Monday lineup.)

Thanks, and see you all soon!

Brian

I wish the Old Town School of Folk Music would have hired me for this week instead! You guys are going to have a lot of fun.

You'll like the Gallery Cabaret, I used to play there with my friend, the late blues singer Martha Hayes. Martha was no stranger to the Wise Fools either.

Have fun and either stop by the Old Town School Sept. 4 for my show, Sept. 7 for my seminar on music theory, or post a line here and we'll figure out where to get together on Sept. 6.

All the Best,
Mike

------------------
Mike Dunbar Music

Brian and Sandy-
I can be shifted to Tues if it helps. I replied to the email also, but I'm just making sure you know!!
Herbie

Hi Folks,

If any of the Chicago folks signed up to perform checks here, and haven't already let us know which show(s) you can play, please do. I am still waiting on over 30 of you to response.

Brian

Hey, Mike, we will HAVE to get together when you do the OTS in Sept. (I was in Nashville twice in Feb. and had to make an appt. with myself to go to the bathroom, so I apologize for not getting in touch with you). We can catch up on old times about the Barabarossa and Earl crowd--maybe by then Dundee will have his "Troubles Nights" at Lucille's back up & running. Meantime, keep on "booming"<g>.

Yeah, Dundee was going to have me this trip, but he wound up in the hospital. I'll drop you a line before I come up.

All the Best,
Mike

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Mike Dunbar Music

Hey Mike- Would've been great to meet you, but the wife and I are going to Portland and Seattle to celebrate her 40th Bday with her family!!! Maybe next time!!

Herbie

HI,
A quick heads up !!

We were rehearsing today and I just met my first Left handed drummer

He mentioned that Any drummers at the Gallery show to bring their own footpedals.

I will have my Mesa Boogie Duel Rec on hand.

cheers,
Terry
http://www.mp3.com/mydelusion

Dearest everyone,

Huge thanks to everyone for sharing your music at the two Chicago showcases! It was such a treat to hear so many new voices and songs.

I would love to stay in touch with all of you. Feel free to e-mail me off-list at shelley@shelleymiller.net

Take care,
Shelley
www.shelleymiller.net
singer/songwriter/human

Thanks Shelly.. we all enjoyed your performances.. with 3 under your belt you're a regular veteran JPF Roadtripper!

Brian

SHELLEY!

Werd up!

Wish I could have been there to play and see you play again.

Sounds like a good time was had by all.

Hopefully, next time...

------------------
Todd Leiter-Weintraub's Cyberpop Fantasy

Checking in here, everybody. Now for the good news--we have a date for our first NON-ROADTRIP showcase--Oct. 9 at Uncommon Ground. Michael Cameron heard about our turnouts at Wise Fools and Gallery and would love to have us. Here is the rub, though--we have to keep it to 10 players max (Michael's specs--a mega-lineup would drive Richard the sound guy nuts), strictly acoustic (plugging in is OK, but no drums, electric guitars/basses, or keys). But we'd get three short songs (15 minute set maximum) apiece. Now, I'd like to put butts in the seats of course (a huge consideration at UG), so members with dependable draw/entourages are a must. But I'd also like to keep the quality of the music high too. I would be emceeing and kicking off the evening with a couple of songs, and ending with a final one. We would have our networking hour beforehand--and network afterward as long as we were out of the place by 11 pm closing time. I'm going to cross-post this on all our Chicago topic boards. If you are interested--and can commit to bringing at least 3 people to stay the evening and eat and drink--please post here and e-mail me at sandina@aol.com. It's a Friday night, so I know many people are already committed to other gigs that night. But it's gonna be a painful winnowing process, and I apologize in advance to those who may feel left out. But please come to network of course! Also, by then the construction mess on my block should be over and there will be parking again, so we can once again hold monthly meetings/jams at my place.

Hi Darlin'
Oct 9 is a THURSDAY! However, I would like to be involved, and would toss my name in the hat! I probably can bring 5 people at least. Did everyone get the pictures I emailed them?

Herbie

PS you should've started a new post for this!

[This message has been edited by Herbie Gaines (edited 08-25-2003).]

I'll throw my hat in the ring as well!!

I'll let a few other JPF-ers know that don't frequent the message boards.

~peace~

plish

Herbie, I'll definitely keep you in mind, Yeah, figured out Oct. 9 is a Thurs. right after I posted. D'OH! How goes Herbie-Oke?

Thanks, Plish! Your name's in the hopper. How'd your UG show with Mighty Joe go? Heard you had a pretty good crowd.
Oh, and Herbie, if you can send the group photos again--I only got my individual pic from in front of the Gallery, and Brian had a computer disk crash in Denver and lost all his pictures and even the lineups! (Boy am I glad I use a Mac). Hope Linda still has the shots on her camera and/or uploaded them to her machine.

OK...now lessee if I got this right...

Not only are we gonna do a set for free, but we gotta guarantee that 3 or more friends or family members are gonna come along and pay to eat and drink all night long...

Wow......

Interesting concept....this would be good for who exactly ?

Bob (a bit confused) Young

Well, here's the deal. When I said 3 people, I was extrapolating. Obviously, if we brought in 24 acts to do a song apiece (with some nonperformers attending, assisting, etc.), we would fill the place. But a 24-artist lineup changing ever fiew minutes would overwhelm the setup at Uncommon Ground.
I know that with 8-10 performers, some people would bring more than 3, some fewer or just themselves. Nobody is committing to do a full "set" for free--it's 3 songs or 15 minutes, whichever is shorter. And there would be a bucket passed at regular intervals to be split at evening's end, as is UG's custom. Now when was the last time you got even a buck to do an open mic? And remember, UG has table servers to employ and we'd be occupying the dining room, which doubles as the music room. Michael is taking a gamble on holding an event that could net him less than a room full of diners, and if we're going to disappoint him, we shouldn't be doing this. But more importantly, the management gets a chance to see what you can do with more than just one song and what your potential might be were you to get your own full 40-45 minute set, Uncommon Ground has been much tougher to book of late, due to the increasing number of touring artists who are playing there. This is an opportunity to get your foot in the door. But if you want to network, you needn't play or bring anyone but yourself.

OK...

Passing the bucket was something you didn't mention earlier..that's cool..
For me, a set is a set whether it's 15 minutes or an hour...
Also, I don't see this as much of a "gamble" for UG...we're talking about a Thurs nite..I wonder when they had their last full house on a Thurs nite...

I've never played an "open mic"...
I think they take advantage of artists with that concept..
I think musicians should be paid when they work.
If you just want to "network" ( I hate that word) you can meet at the library for Crissakes !
Getting together at some joint for a night of music and fun...well..that's a good thing...Making it seem like somebody is doing us a big favor by letting us come to his place to do it ?...That doesn't seem like such a favor...

Having said all of that, I'm semi-retired now and looking for some fun..
I'd like to be considered for the nite..
but I can't promise a rooting section..that's not why I'd like to be there..I'd like to meet some new people and hear some new music, and share some of mine...

If I'm sounding petulant or testy, I apologize.
I grew up getting paid for working..
I hate it that we've come to the point where musicians are asked to pay to play by promising to bring along some poor saps to pay for food and drink.
Guess that's the way things are...
Very sad, very sad

Bob

Want to make something very clear. This is a JPF showcase, not a revue. It's unlike the roadtrip showcases in that Brian won't be there, there will be a bucket passed (and no door charge), and there will be far fewer performers. As to Thursday nights at Uncommon Ground, I've talked to the people who've been doing Thursday shows there, especially the CHaT monthly Singer Spotlight Unplugged series. They have been getting pretty good-sized crowds in there, unlike the spotty attendance of the erstwhile weekly CHaT Acoustic Showcases. Michael treats Thursdays as weekend nights--the crowd vibe is different and the audiences larger. He puts them on the club's website and publicizes them as assiduously as he does the weekend shows (and these days, since Liz Kennedy has been sending out weekly newsletters with UG's listings, attendance has improved--we don't want to be the weak link in any given week or we won't get a chance to rebook). The weekly CHaT showcases were scrubbed by the low attendance, caused in part by the shows being so frequent that audiences began to take them for granted. If we go for quality in the performers, reasonable quantity in our own followings, and limited frequency in the number of these showcases at UG, then the club itself can count on its own patrons continuing to attend--and we can more realistically expect to get our own shot at an individual booking. As to open mikes, I fell into the trap for awhile of thinking that now that I was gigging, I was above that sort of thing. But you know what? Merely getting your name out there is just no substitute for backing it up with the goods--giving potential fans and bookers a taste of your actual skills so they will be tempted to see more. Sometimes you need to get not just your name out there but your face and voice as well. clubs change hands, audiences move on, new people move into neighborhoods. It's a never-ending process.

Sandy...

I'm completely removed from the current scene..

You are obviously plugged in and are aware of what's happening out there..

I'm sure you're doing what's best for the members of JPF..

I'm just an old guy pining for the good old days I guess....

We didn't have "open mikes"..
we scuffled for lo-pay gigs and made people want us so we could charge more as we built a following.. Then on to the next level of clubs where repeated the process..
That was how I made a living for 40 years..Make them need YOU..
I guess it's just not that way any more..

Reality...what a dirty bitch she can be !

Bob

Bob and anyone else..

The terms and scenario has been described. It's a voluntary show. It's not what everyone would be into, but it's what a lot of people would. Rather than complain that the terms aren't what you'd like them to be, why not just make a decision on whether you'd want to be involved on those terms or not. That way no one stresses.. no one is upset.. no one feels like they are being criticized for trying to do something positive. If you want to do it and like the terms, great.. do it. If you think the terms are not something you'd be interested in, great.. don't do it. There's really no need or reason for lamenting that it isn't how you'd like it to be. If it's not your bag, move on. Some people are looking forward to it just as it stands.

Brian

Oh Brian for goodness' sake..

I qualified what I said..
Can't you read ?!

I admitted to being an old guy pining for the good old days..

I said I'm sure she is doing what's best for the members..

What the heck do you want Brian ?

I am just saying I wish it was like it used to be..

What's wrong with that.

Talking about and wishing for the return of the good old days is something we old people do Brian...
Someday you may do it too..
And when some youngster scolds you for doing it..well....we'll see how YOU handle it

Read what I said..I doubt that you have read it carefully..

No insulta to anyone...
Nothing !

Apparently it's becoming your way or no way, Brian.

Why is that ?

Have you tried decaf....it's really pretty good

Bob

ps which commandment am I missing ?

Thou shalt not reminisce..
Thou shalt not criticize..
Thou shalt not ask questions..

Is there another one....

I thought Sandy and I were doing OK here..
I didn't think we needed a voice from on high..

Wrong again, I guess

[This message has been edited by bob young (edited 08-27-2003).]

Long time listener 1st time caller. Well "long time" means lurking on this site for a month.

Anyway, I was at the wise fools showcase. I did not play. I was just there to listen. I really enjoyed the showcase. It was nice to see just plain folks get up there and play.

Today, I checked the messageboard and I see the post for another showcase. I got all excited until I saw that it was for just plain folks who can bring 3 people to eat and drink all night and provide "quality" music. Sad to say, I was disappointed. The main reason I started lurking here is because of the whole vibe of everyone being "just plain folks". I guess we're not that plain after all.

Anyway, I understand that trying to balance the needs of the venue and the artists is not an easy thing and that somebody has the hard job of having to do it. I guess it's always better to have another venue for other artists to play at rather not having any. But then again, I thought it was all about "Just Plain Folks".

I'm sorry that my 1st post is somewhat negative. I'm just bummed that this new showcase is not as open to everyone as the other one. So I guess I'm venting.


-FunkyE9th

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The reason this showcase is not as open is that per Instructions from the venue owner we HAVE to limit it to between 8-10 performers. Uncommon Ground turned our request for a roadtrip down because they could not handle a parade of 25+ people doing a song apiece--they (unlike Gallery and Wise Fools) are a restaurant with table servers and though they would like the increased business we would bring, they are not prepared to handle our standard "roadtrip showcase" format. Future showcases at larger bar-type venues would in fact be totally open--but roadtrip rules would apply: one song, no tip jar, etc. Believe me, even 8 performers is a stretch for U.G.--they normally have 5 max (and usually only 3, with a set apiece). As I said, sorry if I hurt some feelings here. And I will qualify my earlier remarks that if enough non-playing JPF members come to watch, cheer and network, nobody need worry about having to bring an entourage. I suggested being able to have a modest draw and good performance skills because that is what this particular club is looking for should you wish to get an individual gig there in the future.

Yes..Sandy..

Please put my name in the hat..

I'd love to be part of the show, if you can squeeze in an old guy !

Bob Young

I'd like to see Sandy get cut a little slack here.

You can't always be all things to all people all the time. I realize that the showcase is suited for solo performers and not full bands. I, for one prefer to play in a band or have one backing me. I'm not ready to get up there by myself yet, but many of my JPF brothers and sisters excel in this type of environment.

This can only be a good thing for the Chicago JPF chapter, so hats off to Sandy and gloves off to anyone that gives her any trouble. I'll send Fondue the Ferret over to kick you in your ankle. He'll do it.
So if you see a one foot tall rodent wearing a porkpie hat....Well, I hope you're wearing boots.

Wen

LOL Wendell,

I've seen you dude and you definately don't look like you need a ferret to do your "dirty work."

I don't think Bob meant to give Sandy a hard time. He just comes from a different era when people actually got paid to perform live music. I can understand how that might be frustrating.

I'll also throw my hat into the ring and thank Sandy for keeping an eye out for us. Better her than me...

Well....

I don't need him, but he really enjoys the work and It's funny as hell watching the cops try to cuff him.

It IS frustrating , Buzz..

Not for me..my bills are paid...

I hate to see young people not getting the same chance we had..
We were able to earn a living while we were learning our trade...
Ya' can't do that anymore and it's too bad. Certainly it's not Sandys fault..

Like I said in an earlier post. she's doing the best she can for the members...

Just seems like a much better deal for the joints than for the players..

Bob

PS anybody brings a ferret around me better get ready for a very furry suppository !

Bob,

I know there was a time when club owners actually paid and once in a while, you can still find them. It's just a tough gig. Part of the problem is that so many artists out there are willing to play for little or no money or play for the door and such.

Pardon the crude analogy but to me, it's like someone going to a prostitute instead of finding someone in a bar. There's just no good reason to pay someone when there are so many others willing to give it away.

I guess I can see both sides of it. Why would a venue owner want to pay you unless you can bring in a crowd that is going to spend money in his/her establishment? It's not really their responsibility to promote your music and ensure a crowd.

Since you've been around a while, I'm sure you know that many artists who were actually very famous didn't make much money in the 50's, 60's and 70's (some still go bankrupt today) until they learned how the business works and obtained proper representation. Regardless, the business end of music has always had the upper hand and probably always will.

With the internet, the balance may swing a little in favor of independent artists but if people aren't willing to pay for your music and aren't willing to pay to come out and see your shows, I don't know what we can do about it.

My band broke up about 2 years ago but when we were together I flat out told everyone, we don't play for free unless it's a good opportunity for exposure or there was something valuable in it for us. We didn't make a lot of money and we only played about once a month but we did get paid. It's just too much work to lug all that equipment around and bust your ass to get somewhere for what amounts to a practice session.

That's why I'm concentrating on songwriting. I'm hoping I can get a few cuts while there are still people who will pay for CD's. Let all those who want the fame and all that goes with it, handle all those other headaches. In the meantime, I'm not giving up my day job anytime soon. It may be sad but it's reality for now.

I have to say that this time I don't think Brian's chime in (titled BOB and others) was warranted. Bob didn't do anything wrong or disrespectful. I think Sandy was not even close to being pinned to the mat, here. I believe Bob actually should be cut some slack when he adds to our threads, due to the fact that he IS our elder statesman and should be entitled to add his opinions freely. By the way, due to his stature, I believe Bob Young should be an "automatic" addition to the UC line-up. If the squeeze comes down and you need one less person, Sandy, I will give up my seat for the old(er) guy. His place in the line-up has been "grandfathered" in, as far as I am concerned. However, since he stated he doesn't need the money, I will NOT share my portion of the bucket money with him. <grin>

Herbie

PS Sandy has a REAL job as an attorney AND is trying to run her own career, and I for one appreciate ANYTHING she does to help us all. Whenever these things come up, the question should be "what can I do to help", not picking at her. Brian was right on the money. I am just saying Bob was not the culprit here.

I think Brian's main point was that no one is being forced to attend this function. Therfore, complaining about not being paid for something you are not forced to do, is a waste of time. Some see this as an opportunity to be heard at a venue that could prove to be lucrative in the future - kind of like an audition. I think Sandy made that point in one of her other posts.

I still don't think Bob was trying to be out of line or seem ungrateful. I think he was just expressing his frustration with how things are these days. Anybody who posts on these boards knows that the main topic is going to stray once in a while as people think of things that they feel the need to express.

I don't see a conflict at all. We all have something to contribute to the discussion and it's a good thing IMO.

In case Iv'e been misread, nowhere in any post did I single out anyone, I was just speaking up FOR positivity and support. Attempting to do so in a humoruos manner. Apparently I need practice.

I could gig out every night if I wanted to play Sweet home Chicago for the 8000th time. I have friends that do it damn well. Not for me. Or, I could learn led zepplins catalog note for note. Cover bands can get fat. At my Father's club they used to pay the whole band 200 bucks for two sets. Fantastic musicians twice my age. I don't think they're in it for the money. I could make more money at home on my computer.


Most muscians I know that don't have a second job are not in bands they move from act to act, tour and do studio work. Or, they're working in studios as producers, engineers whatever.

I was an artist all my life. Now I do it for a living. Somehow it's not nearly as much fun, but it's what I would be doing with my life anyway. The difference is, I won't do it for free anymore and wouldn't think anyone would expect me to. Therefore I respect what Bob has said. I also Understand Buzz's frustration. A club will pimp you.

But the other side is a chance to put a bug in someones ear. And, get better at it. Some of us are new at this. Michael Jordan played for the love of the game. He was among the best at it before he ever got a paycheck from it. I figure that's what's demanded of me. Sometimes the value of what you do rises above the commerce you attach to it.

OK, group hug...

unnnnhhhnnn-unnnnghhh

Wendell, I didn't see anyone complaining about something you posted. I think it's obvious to us that you were being humorous.

It's all good bud...

Buzz

One of the things that attracted me to JPF from the beginning was the concept of a true artists community.
I take the "We're All in this Together" bit VERY seriously.
I'm not living in the past...
I know that the folks coming up today are dealing with a very different scene than the one I had when I was starting out.

BUT....I think you're letting yourselves down if you just say "Oh well...that's just the way it is"...

There is no written rule that artists have to starve !

Just get better...make the club owners need you..simple as that...write better songs..work on being a better performer...easy !

I'm glad you guys seem to understand that I never meant any disrespect to Sandy (or Brian for that matter)
Brian and I have had a contentious relationship for a long time...
Brian has made a great place for artists here..he really has, and I have always applauded him for that..
But, that's not to say that I think he's right ALL the time, and when I think he's wrong I say it.
That's all...no big deal as far as I'm concerned.
It says alot for him that he lets me stay here after all the words that have passed between us.
He did offer to show me the door a couple of times..honestly..I think I was a bit out of line a few times..but, that's what makes me an interesting old coot !

And, Herbie...thanks for the offer, but..don't give up your spot for me.
I don't deserve to be there just cos' I'm old..they should use the same criteria for me that they do for anyone else..Hell..I know lots of old guys that really suck !
I'd like to be part of the show just to hang out with some new blood...I've never been in a situation where I wasn't learning something from young performers and writers.
And I'll be taking my share of the tip jar as well...that's what we used to do at "jam sessions" a long time ago..Now THAT was fun !!!!

Hope to meet some of you in person soon..

Bob Young

Here's the lineup thus far for our JPF Showcase at Uncommon Ground, Thurs. Oct. 9:

1. Me (emceeing, doing 2 songs)
2. Bob Young
3. Herbie Gaines
4. Jackson Daly Band
5. Van Borden
6. Samantha Twigg-Johnson
7. Michael Plishka
8. Anthony Whitaker
9. Shelley Miller
10.open
Close: Me (1 song)

The sequence isn't chiseled in stone, except that I need the opening slot (for obvious reasons) and Shelley has requested she go on after 9 p.m.(and she and Anthony plan a couple of duets) Right now, everyone gets 3 songs/15 min.. If we must stretch it to 12 performers, everyone gets 2/10 min. (myself included). Have I left out anyone who's asked yet (who is capable of playing acoustically without backline)? Speak now or forever hold your peace--Michael needs the lineup by tomorrow for the U.G. website.

Bob:

I hear what you're saying but sometimes the way it is, IS what it is. I've read where some bar owners aren't even going to have live music anymore because they don't want to pay fees to ASCAP and BMI, etc for the cover songs performed by bands in their venues.

You are correct that if I'm successful at creating a buzz (no pun) for my music, I'll be in demand and venue owners who want me to play would have to pay me to play. But they would be willing to do that because they know they will make a profit from my appearance. It's just a business decision really (not saying you don't already know that).

But the reality for us unknowns is that the venue owners want to know that we can bring in a crowd that will spend money there. Some will take a chance on someone who is talented but that's the exception IMO, not the rule. I've seen some bands that were pure crap IMO, who could easily pack a 100 seat venue. And I've seen very talented bands with 10 people in the audience.

I can be the best dang entertainer in the world but if I can't bring people in to see me, I won't be getting any paid gigs. That's why I have to do a few freebies, open mics, generate mailing lists and circulate flyers in order to hope I can get enough people out to see me. Once I develop a following, I have to keep it interesting for them so they don't get tired of following me.

In the meantime, I've got to work my day job so I can afford to pursue my passion and still support my responsibilities to my family and such.

But I'm sure you know all this. I'm just not sure what you think we can do to change it. If you have ideas, I'm all ears.

BTW, I look forward to meeting you too.

Buzz

I totally agree with you Buzz, but even if I didn't I wouldn't hold a Grudge!! ;-)

Hi Wendell- WWWWHHHHHAAAAZZZZUUPPPP????
How you doin?

Hi Bob- Am I really gonna meet you?

Hi Sandy- That's looks like a great lineup!!I'm going to play my new Taylor guitar that I just got from Terry.

I'm off to Seattle and Portland on vacation until Sept 10.

Herbie

Okay, here's the final lineup, adjusted for time slot requests and performer "flow:"

1. Me (emceeing, doing 2 songs)
2. Bob Young
3. Herbie Gaines
4. Debe Welch
5. Van Borden
6. Samantha Twigg-Johnson
7. Michael Plishka
8. Anthony Whitaker
9. Shelley Miller
10.Jackson Daly Band
Close: Me (1 song)

I think at 10 performers we now have the perfect length show--allows for networking, 3-song sets, and sanity for Richard the Sound Guy. Thanks to all who responded--if anyone has promo materials such as blurbs and photos for an event press release and poster, please e-mail them to me at sandina@aol.com or sandina@rcn.com. Anybody want to volunteer to make a poster or flyers? I know there's some heavy graphic arts talent around here!