Wendy V's Local Blend

Volume 11 Issue 3

January/February 2004 - Writer/Editor: Wendy Vickers

Related Links:
 
 Gig Calendar

Coffeehouses/venues

Just Plain Folks

 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 2004!

Here we are once again beginning a new year! Hope the holidays were peaceful for you.

Someone said to me a couple of weeks ago how impressive it was that this e-zine, column, however you refer to it, was still around after all these years. Well, the reason for that is because you all supported this work so solidly, reminding me of the things...and people...that remain consistently real and true. I hope you know how grateful I am for you and your support!

Some last year refreshers:

Here is a look back of some of the news items featured in Local Blend last year. A couple of those will have some impact on the music scene this year...so this may also serve as things to keep watching for and an event reminder for your calendars for this coming year.

-The Minnesota Folk Festival didn't happen in 2003, but promises to come back better than ever in a new location for 2004! It will now be located in Hastings and the MFF folks have many other events planned this year. Check out their website for the full lineup.

-A new local cooperative effort spearheaded by Gigi Swanson, Rebekka Fisher and Megan Foley, held a "Women In Music poolside social" this summer as a networking event to bring more awareness to the contributions of women musicians in the Twin Cities area.  

Gigi, by the way, also is involved in a new website/collective in support of independent musicians, Springboard Musicians Association. Based out of Tampa Bay, FL, the official kickoff for this effort happens January 31...but you can check out the website now and see the many great features offered.

-Best local music event of last year? No contest for me...the Just Plain Folks showcase gig in September. JPF founder Brian Austin Whitney came to town and many of our best new and familiar musician friends got together for an unforgettable heartwarming night of great music and encouragement.

Many of our local musician organizations continue to show great support for the community through annual events and dynamic leadership. Keep supporting their efforts through 2004!

Pastor Paul's Garage Sale

Speaking of events that happen regularly...Pastor Paul's Acoustic Garage Sale takes place Tuesday, January 6th, 2004 at First Avenue nightclub, downtown Minneapolis.
Doors at 6pm
Showtime 7pm
$3 in advance / $7 at the door

Proceeds to benefit Pastor Paul's Mission in North Minneapolis (1000
North Oliver).

Scheduled to perform:  Grant Hart, Louis Dunlap, John Ewing, Dan Israel,
Future Lisa, Martin Devaney, JG Everest, Pfeifer Sam, Larry Ravenswood,
Raven, Terry Eason, Ben Connelly, Anne Deming, Mean Larry, Molly Maher, Dirty and Country Mike Suade who will also emcee this years event.

Over 20 vendors will be on hand displaying art, jewelry, pottery, books,
vintage clothes, posters, T-shirts, vinyl records, cd's, refrigerator
magnets and many more items too numerous to list.


CD Spotlight:

Brian Peterson - Carry This Tune. One thing I've always admired about Brian Peterson's work is the sense of sincerity that comes across in his music. For Brian, the audience is uppermost in his focus when he's writing songs.  Many of the songs deal with connections of many kinds,   with one another ("Commune With You", "Every Connection") or with people of the world ("The Other Side of the World"). As with his previous releases, Brian makes use of a variety of musical styles, and the guitar work is particularly nice throughout. And, he's got a cute and clever cover package.

In Memoriam...

The St. Joan of Arc Church musical family felt a sad loss in December. Bob Hanson, musician and tenor extraordinare, passed away suddenly due to complications following heart surgery. Bob was a great singer who could handle anything from opera to "Pinball Wizard" (his choice for a movie song at SJA's 2003 "First Reel Cabaret"). He was well-respected both as an artist and a person...he'll be missed. Go rest high, Bob.

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There are always new and updated features at www.wendyv.com ... 

Please have a look around!

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Coming in 2004:

Wendy's audiobook follow-up to 
"Out of the Jar...and Into the World":

"Treasures In the Tip Jar: the Art of Awesome Fan Support"

Keep watching for more details!

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