|
||||
|
Wendy V's news and thoughts about some
local music and musicians you don't hear
enough about |
||||
|
Radio Regulars page
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! The address is always at the end of the issue! Singer/songwriters, venues: Have a web page full of gig dates? Send me your link for the gig calendar! |
10/26/04 I'm just catching up on sleep after yet another year of two glorious "Cabaret" concerts at St. Joan of Arc Church in Minneapolis. I'm an annual reviewer of the Saturday concert, so that review will be available soon on the SJA website. These concerts are full of names that folks who follow the local Twin Cities scene will recognize...but I want to make mention of someone you may not yet be familiar with--but should be. North Dakota native Kathy Perkins first appeared on the Cabaret bill a couple of years ago, newly engaged to SJA band drummer Shane Speltz. She and Shane were married just a couple of days after last year's Cabaret and performed a duet that year. But I wasn't the only one who, after first hearing Kathy, thought "wow--what a GREAT voice!" Kathy was back this year and once again blew everyone away with a great version of "Time After Time". Now she's got a new CD "Northern Comfort: The World Outside", in which she shows one of the gifts of a truly great singer: one who takes a well known song, puts her own stamp on it and makes it fresh (such as "Angel From Montgomery", "Jolene", "Pour Me" and the aforementioned "Time After Time"). I would strongly suggest keeping your eyes and ears out for Kathy...she's going to do great things! Another show stopper I look forward to every year is harmonica player/singer/songwriter extraordinare Bruce "Creeper" Kurnow. He's been a well known name in the Twin Cities for years and is now based out in California. This year I had the pleasure of meeting him and getting a couple of his great CDs: "Harmonicaland" (nominated in the Solo Instrumental category in the Just Plain Folks music awards!), and "Here And Now" which shows off his very fine vocal and songwriting talents. Way to go, "Creeper"! As usual, the music scene here thrives on...don't forget to check out my gig calendar pages for some of the venues having music this week. Ginkgo Coffeehouse has its always strong lineup of both local and national acts--for instance, New York based Sam Shaber on Thursday October 28th and the great Cam Waters on Friday the 29th. 10/15/04 Well, some good news and bad news. The bad news was that the Brothers Frantzich had to cancel their Fine Line show this month, because Paul Frantzich had a fall and broke his leg. Heal quickly, Paul-- all the best for a speedy recovery! The show will be rescheduled for Sunday, November 28. The good news is that I did receive a copy of Paul and Tim's new CD "Harmonium". One of the most exciting things to witness in their recent musical growth was that their music has strongly reflected their spiritual journeys. Their tight harmonies and thought-provoking songwriting are very irresistible vehicles for a powerful message. With so much polarization and dissent out there in the name of faith and beliefs, Paul and Tim are voices for unity with sentiments that make strong sense. Amen, guys! A little overdue congratulations are in order for Vicki Logan, who became the new chapter coordinator for the Twin Cities chapter of Just Plain Folks. Vicki, one of the most effective do-ers and go-getters this local industry has, is in true form as she begins making plans for the chapter. She hopes to set up a number of member musician jams, presentations and networking opportunities in the coming year. And, there is another Vicky out there doing quite well. I met Vicky Emerson at a neighborhood event this past summer. This talented singer/songwriter/pianist has her career in high gear, having just returned from Austin to spend time at a songwriting retreat. Kudos for her also came from Billboard magazine... her song "Sweet Romeo" received an honorable mention in Billboard's 2004 songwriting contest! Check out her EP on CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/vickyemerson . Don't forget, Musicians Expo 2004 Friday, October 29th and Saturday, October 30th at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington! An industry panel CD review happens Friday evening, exhibitions and guest speakers are all day Saturday. I will be there Saturday and I'll be offering two small group mini-seminars at my booth area: "Think Before You Hype: Prep Work for the PR" and "The Fine Art of Artist/Fan Relationships". Hope you will stop by to check these out--or to just say hi!
******************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************** What are YOU up to? Let me know!
|
|||
Wendy Vickers, #206, 2136 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116-1863
All original written material ©2001-2004 Wendy Vickers