Thursday, September 29, 2005
CD's are in the mail to CD Baby
Sorry we're out of stock. They're on the way, thanks for being patient while I get the hang of international parcel post....
More about Dallas, October 7th
Just a heads up, I'm going to get down to KNON and say 'hi' to Don O. on friday night as well before heading over to the show. Don's one of the longest running blues DJ's on the air, and one heck of a great guy. It'll be fun to catch up and see old friends and play some music. Spread the word! It's for a great cause. Hope to see you there....
Blue Lamp, Friday!
OK all, I'll have my acoustic lap-steel guitar with me tomorrow night. It's going to be a great show, with the legendary Sandy Tweedale and little old me. See you tommorrow night!
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Dallas, October 7th....
Oh, I've got to go to Texas for a bit, and I'm really excited that I get to be part of the Blue Lisa Anniversary party, in honor of my friend Blue Lisa's radio show on KNON. Friday the 7th of October at Djangos on the Parkway in Dallas, Candye Kane is headlining along with a bunch of great Texas musicians. Details at the KNON website
Contrary to public belief, I'm alive....
Well, I'd planned on being in Anchorage this past weekend. Most of you may know by now that I didn't make it as planned. Thanks for your expressions of concern, here's what was going on.
Although these plans were made months in advance, my wifes employer needed here in London. That in itself isn't that bad, but with young kids 'someone' needs to be there to look after them. Hey, music is important but when you get right down to it my kids are more important. So, I had to cancel about 2 weeks ago. It sounds like the papers either didn't get the word or couldn't be bothered changing their ads. It's the first gig I've missed in years. Hopefully it will be the last for a bit. My humble apologies for the confusion. I never would have chosen things to work out the way they did.
As a consolation, I'll be there without fail for the benefit on November 11th. In fact, tickets for the show are about to go on sale. I'm going to see if we can get Studio 68 on the 12th for a jam and a chance to get together.
Be well, see some of you soon!
Although these plans were made months in advance, my wifes employer needed here in London. That in itself isn't that bad, but with young kids 'someone' needs to be there to look after them. Hey, music is important but when you get right down to it my kids are more important. So, I had to cancel about 2 weeks ago. It sounds like the papers either didn't get the word or couldn't be bothered changing their ads. It's the first gig I've missed in years. Hopefully it will be the last for a bit. My humble apologies for the confusion. I never would have chosen things to work out the way they did.
As a consolation, I'll be there without fail for the benefit on November 11th. In fact, tickets for the show are about to go on sale. I'm going to see if we can get Studio 68 on the 12th for a jam and a chance to get together.
Be well, see some of you soon!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
More from Orkney
Hi All- Les sent me these pictures of the opener we played for Peter Green and the British Blues All-Stars. The first one is us in the dressing room right before we hit the stage. That dressing room was the size of a night-club in it's own right.
Here's one of your's truly at sound check, armed only with an old Magnatone lap steel. The combination of my old amp and that amazing PA at the Fusion gave us probably what was the best-ever steel guitar sound for this band.
And Les, of course, giving the drums a good hard kick. Gotta love the sound of those rock-start drums.
And Mike making sure there was enough bass in the monitor mix.
And finally, this is us in our natural habitat.
What can I say, it was a great gig and the hour that we played seemed to go by too fast. My bet is that there were around 800 people in the club that night, the first 5 or so rows actually had enough room to dance (and dance they did).
Here's one of your's truly at sound check, armed only with an old Magnatone lap steel. The combination of my old amp and that amazing PA at the Fusion gave us probably what was the best-ever steel guitar sound for this band.
And Les, of course, giving the drums a good hard kick. Gotta love the sound of those rock-start drums.
And Mike making sure there was enough bass in the monitor mix.
And finally, this is us in our natural habitat.
What can I say, it was a great gig and the hour that we played seemed to go by too fast. My bet is that there were around 800 people in the club that night, the first 5 or so rows actually had enough room to dance (and dance they did).
Monday, September 19, 2005
Orkney Blues Festival Part 1.
Ah, what a great trip this was, lot's of great music, fantastic people and incredible scenery!
Now that the picture of the Brodegar Ring of Standing Stones is posted I'm going to grab some sleep. Details to follow, but for now- a million thanks for Colin Sinclair and everyone else involved in organizing the festival. They did a super job!
Watch this space, I've got photos of everyone in action that I need to post, including Peter Green and the rest of the British Blues All-Stars.....
First, some sleep!
Comments are back on
We'll see if we've outwitted the comment spammers. Blues or blog-related comments are welcome and invited.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Friday November 25th at the Lemon Tree
A confirmed date at the Lemon Tree. I'm hoping to have the new CD done by then!
Monday, September 12, 2005
Orkney next weekend
I heard from a reliable source that this is going to be the last Orkney Blues Festival. So, we'd better all make it a good one! I know the band and I are pulling out all the stops. I'm also teaching a lap-steel workshop, so if you've wanted to learn how to play the steel guitar that should be a good reason to travel.
Oh, and Peter Green is on the bill too. How very cool is that. Click Here to visit the official site. And then book your ferry tickets and pack a bag. This will be the festival to remember.
Oh, and Peter Green is on the bill too. How very cool is that. Click Here to visit the official site. And then book your ferry tickets and pack a bag. This will be the festival to remember.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
September 11 Blues
Do you remember where you were
when you saw the towers fall?
Do you remember where you were
when you saw the towers fall?
Images on the TV,
That you couldn't believe at all.
Praying for my brother
hoping that he'd be found
Praying for my brother
hoping that he'd be found
He was lucky, his plane never left the ground
Three men that I went to school with
and a couple thousand more
Left for work that morning
And would never make it home
Leaving us to wonder
Why they had to go.
Now I believe in a God of mercy
And I'll try to turn the other cheek
Pray to be strong enough
To always help the weak
And on days like today
let my falling teardops speak
(c) Words and Music Son Henry
when you saw the towers fall?
Do you remember where you were
when you saw the towers fall?
Images on the TV,
That you couldn't believe at all.
Praying for my brother
hoping that he'd be found
Praying for my brother
hoping that he'd be found
He was lucky, his plane never left the ground
Three men that I went to school with
and a couple thousand more
Left for work that morning
And would never make it home
Leaving us to wonder
Why they had to go.
Now I believe in a God of mercy
And I'll try to turn the other cheek
Pray to be strong enough
To always help the weak
And on days like today
let my falling teardops speak
(c) Words and Music Son Henry
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
How to Organize a Benefit
I've been getting asked this quite a bit, and after posting the same basic ideas on several forums I've just decided to put it all here so it's easier to reference.
Organizing a benefit is not as complicated as it seems. Understand that everyone wants to help if it's a good cause, and will be glad someone is leading the way. Also remember that you've got all kinds of friends that will get excited and want to help, especially if you're excited. It's contagious. Keep those two things in mind. Now, on to the details.
First, find a venue, nothing happens until you've got a room nailed down. If you can find a place with a PA even better.
It's a benefit, so let the club have the bar, but always ask for a cut of the bar too. Don't give them a share of the door or ticket sales unless they're doing something for you like advertising. If you live in an area with more than one club, shop around to get the best deal. You're going to bring in business and generate publicity for the club, so don't be shy about asking for things. Get the best deal you can.
Now, call all your friends and get them together to talk about how they can help, because you're officially having a benefit once the room is nailed down. It's time to fill in the rest of the details.
Next you need to line-up the musical talent. I'd suggest getting several bands to play short sets rather than a single performer, because what you're after is an event ticket- the chance to see people together that you won't see otherwise. 4 bands laying 45 minute sets is a great evening's entertainment. Also, by getting several good performers on a single ticket you've made that ticket more valuable. Third, you decrease the local competition on the night of your benefit. Really, you want to be selling the hottest ticket in town. Stacking the deck with several talented bands is the way to go.
OK, ticket price. I'd take the normal cover charge and double it as a start. Charge at the door. Really, this is a judgement call. Reality-check this with people you trust, get as much per ticket as you can. Remember that you want to get as many bodies in the room as you can.
Ultimately it all comes down to advertising. Newspapers, Radio and TV all run PSA's- public service announcements. You need a well-written press release and a telephone. Over the phone verify who gets these (numbers are in the phone book, call the main number), fax them in and then follow it with another phone call. Be nice, talk up what you're doing. You need to be persistent, not pushy. Some places, like TV stations, will cut you a deal where they'll give you advertising at a real cut rate. For that you need a budget (see below)
You need to print posters and hang them everywhere. You'll need friends with cars toi help. Saturation is the name of the game, and when you get right down to it you want everyone talking about your show. Saturation.
OK, if you're doing this for the Red Cross or another organization call them today and get them involved. If you're going to put their logo on posters etc, the will need to be involved. They'll also advise about how to handle the money and how to take donations-in-kind (food, etc). Also, because they are a not-for-profit, you'll qualify for the not-for-profit rate if you buy advertising. Again you need a budget, so keep reading.
Still need a PA? Ask the bands, most have their own. Give the band bringing the PA credit for this by making them the host or anchor band. Also, take good care of the musicians, remember that any worth having are pro's and you're asking them to give up a night from the weekend is like asking a normal person do give up 1/2 a weeks salary. Go to cost-co and stock up on snacks for the bands, small things to let then know you appreciate what they're doing. Also plan on each band member bringing a guest. We all love to bring spouses or girlfriend when we're doing something nice for the community.
Next, get an Emcee. Ask the radio stations or TV stations if they have someone that would volunteer , for example. You need a pro to keep things moving, and someone to hawk the raffle items between band sets.
Now, about that budget. Approach (or get friends to approach) the companies you/they work for to get some money. It doesn't have to be much, 500-1000$ will make for a comfortable budget to print posters and buy newspaper adds if you have to. Many companies have matching grants or planning grants that are like free money that never gets used. Cold-call small businessses ask for a couple of hundered dollars in exchange for logo sponsorship (logo on the posters and print adds). With a little bit of nerve and networking you can raise a service-able budget quickly. Or consider donating the operating money if you can spare it. There are ways for you to get a tax deduction, ask the organization you're working with.
OK, here's the real important point. 10$ at the door for 100-200 people isn't much money. If you have an auction table, a raffle, etc, you can easily make 10 times that amount. Again, nerve and leg-work are required, but all you have to do is visit places of business and ask. Bring along documentation that shows you're legit, a letter from the club, etc. Lean on friends to help, they may know people that are store managers at bookstores, etc. Really, this is an easy one to blow by, but I know one benefit that really worked the raffle and silent auction. They set a low ticket price to fill the room and made $25,000 from the merchendise. Wow, yes? You can do that too, it's just leg work
Phew. It's a huge amount of work but it'll all be worth it when you find yourself looking at a room full of sweaty, dancing people all there for a good cause.
Oh, one last thing. Always remember to say thank you. It's so basic. Send thank you notes or call everyone that helps. Send thank you cards to the businesses that donated stuff. It's polite, and (ha ha ha) most places will hang them in a very public place. It's recognition for them, and great free advertising for next year,m when you start all over again....
Organizing a benefit is not as complicated as it seems. Understand that everyone wants to help if it's a good cause, and will be glad someone is leading the way. Also remember that you've got all kinds of friends that will get excited and want to help, especially if you're excited. It's contagious. Keep those two things in mind. Now, on to the details.
First, find a venue, nothing happens until you've got a room nailed down. If you can find a place with a PA even better.
It's a benefit, so let the club have the bar, but always ask for a cut of the bar too. Don't give them a share of the door or ticket sales unless they're doing something for you like advertising. If you live in an area with more than one club, shop around to get the best deal. You're going to bring in business and generate publicity for the club, so don't be shy about asking for things. Get the best deal you can.
Now, call all your friends and get them together to talk about how they can help, because you're officially having a benefit once the room is nailed down. It's time to fill in the rest of the details.
Next you need to line-up the musical talent. I'd suggest getting several bands to play short sets rather than a single performer, because what you're after is an event ticket- the chance to see people together that you won't see otherwise. 4 bands laying 45 minute sets is a great evening's entertainment. Also, by getting several good performers on a single ticket you've made that ticket more valuable. Third, you decrease the local competition on the night of your benefit. Really, you want to be selling the hottest ticket in town. Stacking the deck with several talented bands is the way to go.
OK, ticket price. I'd take the normal cover charge and double it as a start. Charge at the door. Really, this is a judgement call. Reality-check this with people you trust, get as much per ticket as you can. Remember that you want to get as many bodies in the room as you can.
Ultimately it all comes down to advertising. Newspapers, Radio and TV all run PSA's- public service announcements. You need a well-written press release and a telephone. Over the phone verify who gets these (numbers are in the phone book, call the main number), fax them in and then follow it with another phone call. Be nice, talk up what you're doing. You need to be persistent, not pushy. Some places, like TV stations, will cut you a deal where they'll give you advertising at a real cut rate. For that you need a budget (see below)
You need to print posters and hang them everywhere. You'll need friends with cars toi help. Saturation is the name of the game, and when you get right down to it you want everyone talking about your show. Saturation.
OK, if you're doing this for the Red Cross or another organization call them today and get them involved. If you're going to put their logo on posters etc, the will need to be involved. They'll also advise about how to handle the money and how to take donations-in-kind (food, etc). Also, because they are a not-for-profit, you'll qualify for the not-for-profit rate if you buy advertising. Again you need a budget, so keep reading.
Still need a PA? Ask the bands, most have their own. Give the band bringing the PA credit for this by making them the host or anchor band. Also, take good care of the musicians, remember that any worth having are pro's and you're asking them to give up a night from the weekend is like asking a normal person do give up 1/2 a weeks salary. Go to cost-co and stock up on snacks for the bands, small things to let then know you appreciate what they're doing. Also plan on each band member bringing a guest. We all love to bring spouses or girlfriend when we're doing something nice for the community.
Next, get an Emcee. Ask the radio stations or TV stations if they have someone that would volunteer , for example. You need a pro to keep things moving, and someone to hawk the raffle items between band sets.
Now, about that budget. Approach (or get friends to approach) the companies you/they work for to get some money. It doesn't have to be much, 500-1000$ will make for a comfortable budget to print posters and buy newspaper adds if you have to. Many companies have matching grants or planning grants that are like free money that never gets used. Cold-call small businessses ask for a couple of hundered dollars in exchange for logo sponsorship (logo on the posters and print adds). With a little bit of nerve and networking you can raise a service-able budget quickly. Or consider donating the operating money if you can spare it. There are ways for you to get a tax deduction, ask the organization you're working with.
OK, here's the real important point. 10$ at the door for 100-200 people isn't much money. If you have an auction table, a raffle, etc, you can easily make 10 times that amount. Again, nerve and leg-work are required, but all you have to do is visit places of business and ask. Bring along documentation that shows you're legit, a letter from the club, etc. Lean on friends to help, they may know people that are store managers at bookstores, etc. Really, this is an easy one to blow by, but I know one benefit that really worked the raffle and silent auction. They set a low ticket price to fill the room and made $25,000 from the merchendise. Wow, yes? You can do that too, it's just leg work
Phew. It's a huge amount of work but it'll all be worth it when you find yourself looking at a room full of sweaty, dancing people all there for a good cause.
Oh, one last thing. Always remember to say thank you. It's so basic. Send thank you notes or call everyone that helps. Send thank you cards to the businesses that donated stuff. It's polite, and (ha ha ha) most places will hang them in a very public place. It's recognition for them, and great free advertising for next year,m when you start all over again....
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Hurricane Katrina, Roger Sutcliffe and Hard Road blues
Talk about surreal. I was listening to Roger Sutcliffe at the Globe last night. One of his early numbers was Hard Road Blues, and while he was playing the song CNN was showing the footage of Hurricane Katrina over his shoulder. With the TV sound off, it was the perfect soundtrack, ironic in the juxtaposition. Truthful though.
I'm having a hard time watching the tv and functioning, knowing that friends are living through the aftermath of the hurricane in such squalor. And there's not much to be done from here at this point.
I'm having a hard time watching the tv and functioning, knowing that friends are living through the aftermath of the hurricane in such squalor. And there's not much to be done from here at this point.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Review on the Blues Matters website
Hey- check out this review of Friday's gig at the Blue Lamp by Eric Scott! And click here to visit the Blues Matters website. What can I say Eric, I'm really flattered!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
New CD
OK, 6 songs are roughed out, instrumental tracks pretty done:
Hole in my soul
Tom Rushen's Blues
Voodoo Doll
Luke's Black Cloud Blues
When I lay my burden down
Deeper and Deeper
5 or 6 more to go and then the tapes are off to Anchorage for John Clark to play some percussion.
Hole in my soul
Tom Rushen's Blues
Voodoo Doll
Luke's Black Cloud Blues
When I lay my burden down
Deeper and Deeper
5 or 6 more to go and then the tapes are off to Anchorage for John Clark to play some percussion.
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