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Wendy V's news and thoughts about some
local music and musicians you don't hear
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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!
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9/18/04 There are two area gigs that I don't miss every year. They've become annual traditions for me. One is the appearance of classic band 2nd Generation on the first night of the Nativity County Fair at Nativity Church in St. Paul. (Mass musician and Nativity School graduate Michael Loonan is guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist for the band.) Every year I come out and hook up with old friends and acquaintances I get to see only once a year and hear this band rock the family friendly crowd. This year, in the great tradition of 2ndG alumni Raven Wolfe and Lisa Barstad, new lead vocalist Trish Soulen made her first appearance before the Nativity County Fair crowd. She proved she could do it all with firepower and flair, from the classic oldies to a kid's song. This lady's a keeper. Another "move up to the front for this one" highlight was the guest appearance of the amazingly talented Billy Scherer, a good friend and occasional musical partner of Mike's. As I've said before here, Bill is the complete package--pack a punch vocals, hot guitar player and engaging, humorous stage presence. And when you get two equally gifted yet unique talents such as Bill and Mike Loonan together, the result is not only "Scherer Loonacy", but some dynamite musical chops. The guitar tradeoffs on Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride and Joy" were absolutely breathtaking. Folks I've spoken to who have heard these guys together say they have just got to play duo gigs more often. Amen! The second gig I don't miss is an at least once a year dinner show at the Fine Line by the Brothers Frantzich. As regular readers know, I have followed Paul and Tim since their days as Ruby when they played regularly at the late lamented Music City Cafe in St.Paul. It's been exciting to watch their audience grow to many faithful fans through the years. And usually, when these shows come up, it means these prolific guys also have a new CD to go with. This year's no exception. On Oct. 15th The Brothers Frantzich will celebrate the release of Harmonium at the Fine Line Music Cafe. Doors open at 6, music at 7.Lucky me, I also get to hear Paul and Tim a week later at St.Joan of Arc's annual Cabaret! Hopefully in the months to come, I will be able to shout about a CD that I have been waiting to see happen for a LOOOOOONG time....stay tuned. 9/1/04 What's different? I've been doing the Local Blend newsletter and its predecessor, Local Folk, for 12 years. 12 years is a long time for me to do anything. Most of my creative and fan pursuits run an average of 3-7 years. Over the last 3 years, I've been all over the map (literally!), traveling and delving into other creative arenas along with the local scene. Otherwise, quite honestly because I'm getting older (next year marks a milestone birthday), most days when I get home from my day job, I've just felt more inclined to check e-mail and hit the couch rather than feeling energized enough to venture out to a gig. And, a free weekend has been a rare commodity of late. You might say I'm kinda tired. Bottom line, I just have not been keeping the kind of schedule and attention to things that warrants a "regular" publication timeline right now. So, I decided that, like many things, Local Blend...and I...need to change. Going forward, I am going to shape this more like a "blog" format. Instead of every two months, I will post my thoughts when I have something to say or some news to report. To those of you who have supported my work over the years, I appreciate you more than you know. Quite frankly, another part of this change is taking a serious and honest look at what's worked and what hasn't. You will see some forthcoming changes on my website. Some offerings will go away, others will remain. In any event, I hope you will keep in touch with me and tell me what's going on so that I will have something to talk about. Otherwise, I will talking mostly about me and what I think. ;) Anyway, I do have some things to tell you about this time: As I mentioned last time, Musicians Expo 2004 is set for 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 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! Bubbling up in the works for a long time is Ed Anderson's "Seasoned Soul", series of performance events (also the name of his backing band). Ed and Seasoned Soul are featured in an upcoming showcase at Salem Covenant Church, 2655 5th St. NW, New Brighton, Friday evening, September 10, at 7 p.m. Bernie Parquette, Perry Edenburn, Stephanie Taylor, Matt Kester & Tiffany Thompson, 7th Heaven, Ed Anderson, Seasoned Soul and the 5th Street Players will present gospel, barbershop harmonies, blues, folk and comedy. There is no charge for this event; a free-will offering will be taken. The phone number for the church is 651-633-9615 or see www.edswork.com for information. A nod here to Wayne Hamilton, finishing up four years of distinguished service as Chapter Coordinator of the local Just Plain Folks chapter. Old habits die hard, though. Wayne will still be sharing valuable info on performances and opportunities with the community.
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Wendy Vickers, #206, 2136 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116-1863
All original written material ©2001-2004 Wendy Vickers