Wendy V's Local Blend

Volume 10 Issue 3

January/February 2003 - Writer/Editor: Wendy Vickers

 In this issue:

-  Betsy's Back Porch Cafe and Coffeehouse: new great place to gather

- Trish and Richard make musical magic

- MAS growing and going strong

- Quick news blurbs

Related Links:
 
 Gig Calendar

Just Plain Folks

 Links to musicians playing around the area.
 
 Radio Regulars page

What this newsletter's about.

Matter of FAQ: So what's it (normally) take to have your CD mentioned in Wendy V's Local Blend? Click here for the guidelines!

Singer/songwriters, venues: Have a web page full of gig dates? Send me your link for the gig calendar! 

Happy 2003, everyone! As we kick off another year of local music support, I begin on a very positive note: 

Betsy's Back Porch Cafe: New place to gather

You might recall it was just about two years ago that we mourned the closing of Gathering Grounds coffeehouse (March/April 2001). A music and people-friendly spirited place where folks loved to come play in its big room, its loss left that part of the South Minneapolis area with a void hard-pressed to fill.

That is, until now.

Betsy's Back Porch Cafe and Coffeehouse celebrates its first birthday in January. Located at 54th Street and Nicollet Avenue (612-821-6451), it's filled with many of the same qualities that Gathering Grounds had: a big comfortable room well-suited to presenting music, meetings and other events (and that gas fireplace is awfully inviting this time of year!), good coffee, goodies and reading, a fun room for kids and a staff that cares about the music acts it hosts. Live music is presented three times a week, and the Twin Cities Just Plain Folks chapter has held many of its Song Circles at Betsy's.

To find out what's happening at Betsy's Back Porch Cafe and Coffeehouse, call the events line at 612-827-8283.

Trish and Richard make musical magic

Five years ago, I had the great pleasure of doing one of my very first presentations on promotion for musicians at a weekend seminar called Songcrafting Summit, held in New Brighton. It was run by Iowa singer/songwriter/producer Richard Colligan, who at that time also published a witty, creative, yet informative newsletter called Songcraft. As enjoyable as the presentation experience was, the most memorable part for me was the artist showcase which closed the weekend, held at the aforementioned Gathering Grounds. All of the artists who took part in the Songcrafting Summit performed...but Rich and one of the artists he produced, Trish, made their mark on me musically and spiritually with their rich voices and their thoughtful expressions. 

Fast forward five years: Trish and Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan teamed up personally and professionally, got married and had a little one, Sammy. They also moved to the Twin Cities, while Rich has been attending seminary school. I touched base with them at Betsy's Back Porch Cafe in late November, where they entertained us with an intimate evening of their favorite covers, showing off their sweet harmonies. They also continue to challenge us to "come to the edge" as they did for me five years ago, by inviting us through their lyrics to look at one another and ourselves with fresh eyes.

Trish and Richard's latest recording is "Behold", an album of Christmas and solstice celebration songs (click here to read a review). They will also begin performing under a new name: The River's Voice.

MAS Growing and Going Strong!

Over the holiday season I was invited to attend the holiday party by the Minnesota Association of Songwriters. MAS President, pianist/composer Vicki Logan, is very excited about the expansion of opportunities not only for the Twin Cities membership, but statewide as well. Critiques and showcases are now taking place in locations beyond the Twin Cities. MAS will hold its annual meeting in January, where it will be making plans for a number of events for songwriters and artists throughout the year. Stay tuned of the latest happening by checking out the MAS website!

Quick news blurbs:

Michael Loonan scored the music for a recent locally aired half-hour documentary "We Watch the City Fall Down: Stories From the Shadows of 9/11", about people from the disabled community who were in and around the World Trade Center Towers on 9/11, how they were affected, how they got out, etc. Michael overdubbed all instruments and vocals on the soundtrack, and directed cellist Marian Casey. The film was produced and directed by Jerry Smith.

Wayne Hamilton will have a song, "Sixty One," as the first cut on a compilation CD by the organizers of the 2002 Highway 61 Folks Festival, The initial festival occurred in Mahtowa, Minnesota, near Duluth, last August, with performers from all over the Midwest. Wayne’s song was written for the event and first performed there. 

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                                    WENDY'S ADVERTISEMENTS
 
Sometimes it just helps to talk...

Books are great resources as you make your music promotion plans...but sometimes it just helps to talk out your plans and know someone is listening to you. Books can't talk back to you, give you encouragement or feedback on what they think you're doing right or wrong.

Maybe you've been to one of the bigger music seminars and wished you'd had the opportunity to ask specific questions of the pros about your plans...but there just wasn't time for individual attention.

Once again, Wendy Vickers offers affordable individual consulting services for bio writing and general suggestions for the basics of marketing, resources, etc. on your CD or music. One hour, one week, or one month--Wendy partners with you to help develop an action plan to get you started in sharing your gifts and talents!

Groups, bands, musical acts of 4 or more --Wendy can facilitate a special session just for you! Wendy's classes and seminars feature her critically acclaimed materials:  
Booklet, "Promoting and Marketing Your Musical Talent"  
CD, "Out of the Jar...and Into the World"

Contact Wendy or go to www.wendyv.com for more information on consultations!
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Promoting And Marketing Your Musical Talent

Returning in April 2003: Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-9 p.m.  (click above to register!)