In the spotlight…Sam Biskin - Virb › Build your own...
Transcript of In the spotlight…Sam Biskin - Virb › Build your own...
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please email Rick: [email protected]. April 2013
Inside this issue:
From the President 2
Open Mics 2
Poetry with John Holly 2
Songwriters’ SONGFEST 3
Songwriters’ SHOWCASE 4
Gear of the Month 5
Music Variety SHOWCASE 6
Traditional Folk Song Circle 7
Pull up a chair... 8
Spotlight...Sam Biskin 9
PERFORMANCE Workshop 10
Upcoming Workshops 11
F.A.M.E. Committees 11
Comfortable Concert Series 12
In the spotlight…Sam Biskin By Caryl Velisek
Board of Directors 13
F.A.M.E. Goals 13
influenced by the
Beatles and later, by
the Rolling Stones,
Jimi Hendrix, and
many others. It’s
obvious music is one
of the most important
things in his life
although he does
dabble in model
airplanes and trains.
All of his guitars have
been gifts, he said.
Among them are a
‘73 Les Paul Guild D35, a Gibson Flying V, and a ‘99 Fender Stratocaster.
Sam works at Music and Arts in Ellicott City, and he gives some private
lessons also.
In high school he played three times a month with a group called The Jade
Band. In the seventies he kept at it and played with a few bar bands. “I just
kept playing with some old friends. A band is like a marriage,” he added.
(See SAM BISKIN, page 9)
Sam Biskin learned to play music with
what he calls “jazz guys and folk guys”
when he was a youngster. And, he’s been
at it ever since! He says he was first
Photo courtesy of
Sam Biskin
Membership Application 13
Page 2 From the President Hi folks!
I attended the 2013 Non-Profit Summit on March 19. This is a great one-day conference for
folks involved in various positions within a non-profit. The theme of this one was “Change.”
Workshops focused on changes that are going on, how the world has changed in the last ten
years, and how to help organizations move through change. One of the phrases that popped
up several times was “Change is inevitable, growth is optional.” In a world where many non-profits are
struggling, I am glad to say that F.A.M.E. is growing. That is because of the passion that our board members
have and the enthusiasm that so many of you, our members, have. Nurturing, promoting, and preserving
acoustic music is a worthwhile endeavor. That music has meant a lot to me and continues to provide me with a
sense of direction and purpose. It has helped me through some difficult times. It has taken me to interesting
places and introduced me to some really interesting people. It has helped me ask questions and find answers. I
have sung in choirs, played in bands and informal groups, and done solo work. I have enjoyed symphonies,
handbells, jazz jam sessions, bluegrass, folk, and country. And, when a rocker like Eric Clapton picks up an
acoustic guitar it is practically a spiritual experience!
We are making a difference in Frederick County. And, we are beginning to make a difference outside of the
county. Thank you for all you do to support Acoustic Music! ♪♪
Open Mics
Frederick Coffee Company & Café, 100 N. East Street, Frederick: Every
Tuesday night 7-10 PM, Todd C. Walker and Tomy “One M” Wright are co-
hosts on alternating Tuesdays. This open mic welcomes all “family friendly”
talent. Generally, performers receive the equivalent of time for two songs each.
Enjoy good food from the enhanced menu in a welcoming and warm, inclusive
atmosphere. Sign-up list fills quickly, so come early if you can.
Beans in the Belfry, 122 W. Potomac Street, Brunswick, Maryland: Third Thursday of
each month 7-9 PM, Tomy “One M” Wright hosts this cozy venue with great acoustics, as it
is an old church reclaimed as a coffeehouse with a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. This is a
SAW- and FAME-endorsed open mic which draws performers from both groups, as well as the
local area. Format is a first-come, first-served sign-up list with usually 2 or 3 songs each.
Percussion available upon request.
Jekyll & Hyde Restaurant & Tavern, 900 N. East Street, Frederick: Every
Wednesday 7:30 – 10:30 PM hosted by Todd C. Walker. Three-songs: first-come, first
-served. Extra songs may be granted at Todd’s discretion, particularly if the audience
requests them. Henry Burns, the owner, is generally in attendance for the open mic, often
scouting talent for weekend entertainment in the bar area. All acoustic music is welcome
at this venue. See you there!
Poetry with John Holly Frederick Coffee Company and Café, Every-other Thursday evening from 7-9 PM.
Come join us at the reserved tables at Frederick Coffee Company and Café for an evening
of poetry. We feature published poets and themes according to the season. We always
welcome original works from F.A.M.E. members and guests who would like to share, read,
and/or listen.
April 11: FAVORITE POEMS — Everyone has a favorite poet or poem
April 25: SHAKESPEARE CELEBRATION — Selected scenes and sonnets
And, we are always open to everyone’s original poetry, ALWAYS!
Peace,
Rick Hill
John Holly
Photo by Todd Walker
Sunday Songwriters’ Songfest Frederick Coffee Company and Café
100 N. East Street, Frederick, MD
Page 3
Every other Sunday at 4 PM Todd Walker puts together an afternoon of local, regional, and sometimes
national talent. Songwriters perform 30-40 minute sets. Performers are not paid, so please tip generously.
Reid Schoenfelder is a former rock'n'roller who has made the jump to acoustic singer-
songwriter. His songs are steeped in rock with a contemporary acoustic feel.
http://www.reverbnation.com/Reidschoenfelder
“Caroline Ferrante and Les Hatley are always determined to entertain with original
songs as well as a variety of covers. The duo was recently showcased at the Arts
Barn, opening for the Birds of Chicago.”
http://www.reverbnation.com/carolineferrante#!/carolineferrante/press/
Doug Wilcox is a folksy blues guy, perpetual student
of life, bluesy folk guy, learning, learning...
http://www.dougwilcoxmusic.com/home.html
http://www.hannahbingham.com/
Notable moments for
Hannah, since
graduating from Arts
Ed, London in 2008,
include performing in
the 2009 Showtime Challenge at the London
Palladium, where over 150 cast and crew
mounted a fully staged production of 'Crazy For
You' in just 48 hours in aid of Cecilys Fund; and
embarking on her first European Tour in 2011
with the musical “Evita.”
http://www.jimcolbertmusic.com/?section=bio
Singer/songwriter Jim Colbert
first played his songs in public
two days before his fortieth
birthday… garnering a
standing ovation from a
boisterous Bellefonte bar
crowd. First a regular at Jon
Gabala’s Hootenannies at
Daniels in the Bush House in
Bellefonte, Colbert has since
played venues from
Massachusetts to Texas.
Teporah is a veteran of the greater Baltimore music scene,
both as a performer and as one of the founding members
of the Baltimore Songwriters Association (B.S.A.). Her
piano style grabs an audience with a blend of jazz,
classical and folk/rock. Her vocals are both seductive and
mysterious. She can glide effortlessly between wonderful
original songs and Teporah-arranged covers.
April 21, 2013
April 7, 2013
www.facebook.com/teporah
April 1
The Potters (Amy & Jamie)
In search of the great American song...treading paths laid before by
troubadours like Townes van Zandt, Peter Case, and Bob Dylan, The
Potters continue the search for the elusive and indelible heart of
American song and rhyme.http://www.myspace.com/jamiepotter
http://www.myspace.com/amyjsullivan
April 8 Ronn McFarlane & Ayreheart (Grammy-winning lutenist & band)
http://www.ayreheart.com/
April 15
Mike & Aleksi Glick -- Generations Father and son duo out of
NYC. Aleksi Glick is a guitarist and composer who draws inspiration
for many genres of music. His unique approach provides for a
captivating listening experience. http://www.aleksiglick.com/#!
April 22 Jon Shain Nationally touring blues-slanted singer-songwriter from
North Carolina.
April 29
Ruthie Logsdon & Wrangler Greg (Ruthie & the Wranglers)
The legendaries! From DC. http://www.ruthieandthewranglers.co
m/ruthieandthewranglers/Home.html
Are you a musician or in a music related business? Do you have a website?
Are you a Supporter Level member of F.A.M.E.? If you answered "yes" to all
three of those questions, then your Website can be listed on our Website. We will
create categories with a brief description of your style or business. Send your
information to Rick - [email protected].
Page 4 Monday Songwriters’ Showcase Brewer’s Alley, 2nd Floor
124 N. Market Street, Frederick, MD
Shows begin at 7:30 PM
Now in its eighth year, Monday Night Songwriters’ Showcase can
be enjoyed every Monday at 7:30 PM in beautiful downtown Fre-
derick, upstairs at Brewer's Alley. The program starts with a piano
prelude, followed by three songwriters doing three songs each (so
you can't get bored). The featured songwriter for the evening goes
on around 9 PM for 45 minutes, followed by three more three-song
performers. Somewhere in the mix, we throw in some poetry from
our resident poet, John Holly. Our MCs are Ron Goad, Todd C. Walker, and Tomy “One M” Wright, fre-
quently interrupted by Rod Deacey on sound. Shows are FREE — we collect tips for the featured songwriter,
but there is no door charge, so come and support LIVE MUSIC!
Our featured songwriters are a mix of national and regional touring performers, with many award winners
from all genres. If you would like a calendar for the first part of 2013, please e-mail Rod ([email protected])
and he'll send you one. For information about playing a three-song spot, contact (1) Ron Goad: Mister-
[email protected], (2) Todd C.Walker: [email protected], or (3) Rod Deacey: [email protected]. For info
on featuring (the 45-minute money spot!), contact Rod Deacey: [email protected].
http://www.jonshain.com/
Gear of the Month by Todd C. Walker
I am a performing songwriter. I use a good quality microphone for my vocals. I
play a good quality guitar with a good quality pickup. I patch them both into a
public address (PA) system. My goal is to produce the best quality sound that I can.
I want people to enjoy my performance enough to voluntarily put tips into my cup.
This month’s article is not a review
of a specific product, but about
how to use a product – a PA system. I realize that not all
F.A.M.E. members are performers, so please forgive me for
addressing only those who are. Now let’s discuss sound
reinforcement.
The importance of discussing sound reinforcement came to
me after I attended the performance of a nationally
recognized touring musician who had been highly
recommended to me by a mutual friend. This person has
spent over 40 years as a professional, touring in almost every
country of the world, both as a performer and as a studio
musician – highly experienced.
His performance the night I saw him? Well, let’s just say
that he is an accomplished guitar player and a good singer (I
think). He performed a mixture of original and cover-songs.
Although his voice showed signs of road weariness, he
seemed to hold pitch well. Watching his hands, I could tell
that he’s a very good guitarist. Did he sound good? NO. In
fact, I thought he sounded quite bad. His use of the small PA
and guitar electronics was so bad that it basically destroyed
his performance. His guitar sounded so thin and trebly that it
was almost painful. His vocals were so muffled that it was
difficult to understand lyrics. In addition, he was way too
loud for the venue, especially during the dinner hour. I was
unpleasantly amazed and left during his first break. So what
happened? Basically, he doesn’t know how to amplify and
equalize (EQ) his sound.
Let’s look at a basic four-channel PA amp (at right). Each
channel has a Level (volume/gain) control and three EQ
knobs (in this demonstration, Low, Mid, and High). Let’s
forget the Comp, Effect, and Monitor controls for now.
Level (volume/gain) controls how loud you’ll be.
Look at the main band of EQ slides (top of next page). The
EQ settings determine frequencies and overall balance and
quality of sound. Note that they are all at their mid point, the
detent position. This means that settings are flat. Moving
above the detent line emphasizes a frequency. Moving below
lessens or removes a frequency. Lows are to the left; Highs
to the right. It is best to start in the detent position and
concentrate on the three EQ knobs on the channel you are
Photo by Roy Greene
Four-channel PA amp control panel.
Photo by Todd Walker
Page 5
Detail of guitar pre-amp.
Photo by Todd Walker
The Epicure Cafe, 11213 A Lee Highway (route 29) Fairfax, VA: Second and
fourth Wednesdays at 8 PM, hosted by Ron Goad. Open Mic: Show up, sign
up, perform 1-3 songs. Epicure is an independently owned and family-run cafe
with tasty food, including appetizers, Greek specialties, salads, sandwiches, subs,
pasta, desserts, coffee drinks, wine, and beer — ask about The Gourmet Musical
Pizza! Epicure features various creative events that fill every night of the week,
including wonderful musical acts, local art exhibitions, open mics, poetry readings,
comedy, and now: storytelling! All this and an outdoor hookah!
Music Variety Showcase
plugged in to. Think of the EQ band of sliders as specific
frequencies and the three knobs as general frequencies.
Acoustic guitars, especially ones of recent vintage, tend to be
mid-range heavy, especially ones with mahogany back/sides. So
for an acoustic guitar, I usually turn the Mid knob to about the
10 o’clock position. Both the Low and High knobs can start in
the detent position (12 o’clock). Again, detent means “flat” (no
added or removed frequencies). Vocals? I usually start in the
same way: Mid at approximately 10 o’clock, Low and High at
detent (12 o’clock).
General rule of thumb when setting EQ:
1) If your vocal has a high-pitched squeal, roll off the Highs;
2) If your vocal is muffled, roll off the Lows;
3) If your vocal sounds hollow, try rolling off some of the Mids.
4) If your guitar sounds thin & “quacky,” roll off Highs & Mids;
5) If your guitar sounds “woofy,” roll off some Lows.
You can also boost some frequencies, but do so gently. When it comes to
sound control, less is usually better. If you think you need to remove, or
add a frequency, make a small adjustment first. I suggest that you set up
your PA and perform while someone else slowly rolls off the Highs so
you can hear what happens. Then do the same for the Mids, then the
Lows. Reverse the process and add each one, one at a time. With the
individual channel EQ knobs at detent, do the same thing with the band of
EQ slides, one at a time, so you learn how each affects sound. This way,
you’ll have a better understanding of EQ settings and how they will affect
both your guitar sound and your vocals.
If your guitar has a built-in pre-amp with EQ slides or knobs, learn how to use those as well. I can’t tell you
how often (at open mics) I’ve had to help new performers set their guitar’s EQ so it doesn’t sound like broken
glass. My general rule of thumb for guitar amplification is that the amplified sound should sound similar to the
un-amplified sound, only louder. If it sounds completely differently, settings are wrong and need adjustment.
The talented performer I mentioned earlier? He is so much better than how he sounded that night. Simple
education on both his guitar’s pickup system and the PA would have turned his “bad-sounding” performance
into a “good one.” And, fewer people would have walked out early.
Now go make some music. ♪♪ Todd
EQ slides. Photo by Todd Walker
Songwriters “Writer’s Block” Workshop well-attended Writers and authors aren't the only ones who experience writer's block. Musicians get it, too. — Katie Crowe,
FNP, March 14, 2013. Longtime musician and music teacher, Maurice Arenas presented his first workshop
with F.A.M.E. last month at Make N Music. Eighteen people attended the workshop, about a third of whom
performed songs they had been working on.
Page 7 Traditional Folk Song Circle
Dublin Roasters Coffee, 1780 N. Market Street, Frederick: Second Saturday of
each month 2-4 PM, hosted by Tomy “One M” Wright.
Our 3rd Song Circle of 2013 was held on March 9th and was attended by 31 folks. Our
attendance numbers continue to increase and again this month we were happy to
welcome several newcomers. Attendees included Chris Adams, Dori Bailin, Margie
Barber, Anthony Bennici, Rick Bontz, Barbara Bosher, Jessica Bowers, Barry Bryan, Brad Calhoun, Deb
Calhoun, Barbara Collins, Dennis Duffey-Nairnx, Karen Fetters, Dan Frasier, Nancy Frasier, Rick Hill, David
Kocnet, Tom Kohlhepp, Gloria McCracken, Jay McRoberts, Cindy McJane, Charles Pierre, Lynn Purdum,
Jennifer Stanko, Fran Tucker, Caryl Velisek, Anna Walters, Rob Walters, Jenny Williams, Judy Williams, and
our Song Circle Leader, Tomy one “M” Wright.
We have sung 207 of the 1,200 songs from the Rise Up Singing Songbook. The most popular category is
“Traveling” with “Farm & Prairie” and “Outdoors” tying for 2nd place. The songs, “Edelweiss,” “The Cat
Came Back,” and “Ripple” tie for the most requested songs.
Our opening song is “You are My Sunshine,” from there the group takes turns leading folk songs from Rise Up
Singing. Copies of the book are provided at the song circle for those not bringing their own and there are extra
copies for sale. Acoustic instruments of all varieties are welcome, as are singers and those just want to listen.
Dublin Roasters roasts coffee for many of the restaurants and coffee houses in the area and they have a variety
of coffees to enjoy during the event. Please join us at our next event and help us choose new songs to sing. ♪♪
Maurice Arenas, teaches music at Guitar Academy in Frederick. Insert photo courtesy Maurice Arenas; group photo by Todd Walker.
Pull up a chair…by Tom Kohlhepp
What English speaking Western country has a folk song written in 1965 as its
national anthem?
I was sitting there, like most of you, getting ready to watch the Ravens play in the
Super Bowl. I had my snacks and a large glass of iced tea ready for the night’s
action. Because I was at a party, I made sure to do all my “meet and greet” early
enough so I could jockey for position for a prime spot on the couch. A veteran at this I
was able to proclaim mission accomplished just before kickoff. So you can imagine
what a huge disappointment it was for me with all this anticipation and excitement to
sit and listen to a very long drawn out and boring version of our national anthem. I
said to myself “Tom,” because that's what I call myself, “Tom,” I said, “If this was a
National Championship in another country, would the national anthem be sung as boring as this is? What
would be the complete opposite of what I'm hearing?” Immediately one country came to mind – Scotland!
OK, so this was kind of a trick question. Believe it or not
Scotland technically does not have a national anthem.
Although part of the United Kingdom, Wales has a national
anthem, but Scotland does not. For years at all the major
sporting events they would play “God save the King/
Queen” for the Scottish team or individual. However with a
verse like “May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush, God save the King/Queen” you
can see why the Scots said enough is enough. Enter stage
left Roy Williamson.
Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne were both art teachers
in Aberdeen when they began to play folk music together.
Years earlier Roy became friends with the Irish folk group
“The Dubliners” and Liam Clancy from the Clancy
Brothers. He would hear how they sang with pride of their
native Ireland. This caused Roy to think more deeply of his
feelings for Scotland. In 1965, he put pen to paper and wrote “Flower of Scotland.” Ronnie was the larger of
the two, both in size and personality. He was an accomplished rugby player and it showed in his performance.
Sometimes brash, sometimes loud, but always proudly Scottish. Roy on the other hand, was a little smaller,
quiet, and a thinker. When you put them both together they were the Scottish Folk group “The Corries” who
performed from 1966-89.
As I've said before, I lived in Scotland from 1977-79 and loved to hear these guys play. Their album “Peat Fire
Flame” really started me out with learning the history of some of the Scottish folk songs. There was something
about their spirit that came from always being the underdog that made you want to be Scottish, if even for
just a day. That feeling can really be heard in Roy Williamson's song, “Flower of Scotland.”
The song tells the story of the Scot's always fighting for their “wee bit hill and glen.” The chorus of the song
proudly thumbs its nose and flips its kilt at the English remembering Robert the Bruce's victory over Edward II
at the battle of Blackburn with “... and stood against him, Proud Edward's army, And sent him homeward tae
think again.” Give a listen here to Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne as back up, from the DVD “The
Corries - The Lads Among Heather, Vol 1”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RWsyN2jDPc
“Flower of Scotland” has been used as the national anthem by the Scotland National Rugby Team since 1974
and the Scottish National Soccer Team since 1997. It was used as the victory anthem of Team Scotland at the
2010 Common Wealth Games, replacing “Scotland the Brave.” Most recently it was sung at the Opening
Ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics.
Page 8
Photo by Todd Walker
Photo courtesy of YouTube alias iMdReSSediNdEcAy
Unfortunately, Roy Williamson didn't live to
see much of the International success of
“Flower of Scotland.” During the Corries’ 1989 tour, Roy
became ill. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor and
passed away the following year in 1990.
I'm going to leave you with one more link to the song. This
video truly embodies what a national anthem should be.
This version has the words in case you had a hard time
with the Scottish accent. It was a cold and rainy night in
2007 when 71 year old Ronnie Browne was asked to sing
“Flower of Scotland” in front of a sellout crowd of soccer
fans for the European Championship Qualifier. And sing it
he did. Punctuating it with a yell of “SCOTLAND!” when
he was done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO2hpIhHU_E
So the next time you’re watching a game on TV and hear
another lethargic rendering of the “Star Spangled Banner,”
remember “Flower of Scotland” – or I might have to send
you home “tae think again.” ♪♪
Next Month: Did Robert Johnson really sell his soul to the Devil at the crossroads?
Page 9
Sam Biskin (continued from page 1) “If you find other persons you can play with, it makes you
play better, and more. I started teaching my boss’s son guitar and I realized I can communicate well. I teach
mostly kids, now. A lot of little kids start off with simple stuff,” he said. “Then, if they want to learn the harder
stuff, I give that to them...some really get good at it! And some want to learn to play acoustic. Acoustics made
me a better guitar player. And besides, I have a low voice and it sounds good with acoustic,” he added,
smiling.
Originally from Tacoma Park, Biskin grew up in the Silver Spring area and has been in Frederick for ten years
now. He is a member of F.A.M.E., and said that F.A.M.E. is a great opportunity for nurturing newer people in
the art of music. “The more you play and
sing, the more you learn about dynamics,
pacing, and conveying emotion. It only
comes with experience.”
For the past three years now Biskin, along
with buddies, John Penn, and drummer,
Scott Baker, have put on what they call
“Sam Jam.” With a PA system and amps,
they get together with kids and give them
an opportunity to sing and play with them.
And, they also have something for them to
eat. “It’s a way to give back,” he said.
Biskin can often be heard performing at
Frederick Coffee Company and other
venues in Frederick. ♪♪
Photo courtesy of www.corries.com
Factoid: In the late 80s and early 90s, Sam Biskin started an acoustic band called JAMMINBISKIT.
Photo courtesy of Sam Biskin
Mike Schirf Presents
PERFORMANCE
Do’s & Don’ts
Mike Schirf has been performing professionally since 1973. With
some 40 years of experience playing and performing on stage, he has
developed his own dynamic style of entertaining audiences. Now,
Mike is presenting his workshop on *Performance Do’s and Don’ts*
for musicians.
As a member of F.A.M.E. and a frequent performer and listener at
open mic venues in and around Frederick, he has had the chance to
observe aspiring musicians – many of whom are quite talented,
including those who are making their debuts on stage.
He will provide an overview on how to exude confidence from
preparation through presentation, stressing some of the basics that are
often overlooked due to lack of experience or coaching. This will
include pre-performance preparation, how to act when you step on
the stage, some things to say (and what not to say), what songs in
your repertoire to present, and most importantly, how to “present” a song.
OBJECTIVES
Be Prepared. You should be able to perform your selections in their entirety.
Know your material. Generally, people are not interested in listening to a song you heard on XM Radio
this morning, or just wrote on the napkin at the table. Know the song – music and lyrics.
General Topics Reviewed.
1. Interpretative skills. 2.Technical skills. 3. Knowledge of the performance process.
Interpretation. 1. Make sense of the written word. 2. A basic understanding of material selection
Technique.
1. Communicate with sufficient audibility for the performance space – vocally and instrumentally.
2. Clarity and Dynamics.
Knowledge.
1. Be able to explain the reason for their choice of material.
2. Understand what the song is about.
3. Understand the meaning of individual words and phrases.
4. Know your venue; know your audience.
Page 10
When: April 13
Time: 10 AM to 1 PM
Where:
Make N Music
7540 N. Market Street
Frederick, MD 21702
Cost: $25 ($15 for F.A.M.E. members)
Sign up
on line: http://doodle.com/ctibmgz4xnfmaqkp#table
OR call Roy: 301-619-2116
Still need a T-shirt?
If you haven’t received a bumper sticker or T-shirt for your membership,
Page 11
Committees Members! Looking for an active role in F.A.M.E.? Here’s your chance to get involved!
Find a committee that lines up with your interests and skills and contact the chairperson.
A. Membership Committee – Todd, Chair; Karen
1. Maintain membership roster
2. Notify members when their membership renewal is due
3. Chair organizes the Membership Committee as to how they generate renewals
4. Inform Board of Directors (BoD) of steps taken to accomplish renewals/obtain new members
5. Propose membership policy to BoD
6. Maintain membership applications and record of premium distribution
7. Dispense membership premiums
8. Manage premiums (keep supply list, order shirts, etc.)
9. Coordinate membership roster with Newsletter Chair
10. Organize/facilitate/delegate and summarize annual membership meeting
11. Ensure dues are received and deposited
B. Events Coordinator Committee – Ron, Chair
1. Maintain communications with endorsed events
2. Organize and oversee concerts, concert series, music circles, open mics and other performance-
oriented programs
3. Serve as Point Of Contact for those seeking F.A.M.E. endorsement
C. Marketing and Promotion Committee – Fran, Chair; Tomy, Roy
1. Organize/coordinate community outreach with other organizations
2. Maintain F.A.M.E. website
3. Assist with advertising for specific events
4. Newsletter
5. Maintain tent, table, signage, etc.
D. Education/Workshops Committee – Hank, Chair; Tomy, Co-chair; Mike
1. Plan and oversee workshops
2. Oversee mentoring program
3. Research and identify non F.A.M.E. educational opportunities
E. Scholarship Committee – Rick, Chair
1. Establish criteria/guidelines for scholarship awards (individual and organizations) and present to BoD
for approval
2. Establish scholarship fund
3. Make recommendation to the BoD for benevolence
4. Award scholarships and benevolence
5. Formulate a percentage for annual giving and propose to BoD
6. Propose to the BoD organizations to which we may want to donate
Watch for These Upcoming Workshops:
May Recording Workshop I Doug Smith
June Recording Workshop II Doug Smith
August Percussion in Performance Tomy Wright & Ron Goad
Upcoming Comfortable Concerts
Friday, April 12, 2013, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Doors open: 7 PM Music: 7:30 PM
April 12, 2013 will be a very special night as Comfortable Concerts
presents award-winning singer-songwriter, T. Edwin Doss. Born in
Alabama, Doss learned to “tickle the ivories” at age 6 before finding
his way to Virginia. By 1975, he was being booked in venues as an
opening act to the likes of Hank Williams, Jr., Townes Van Zandt,
Johnny Paycheck, Livingston Taylor, and others. He has co-written
with Chris Murphy, Johnny Castle, and Pete Ragusa (Nighthawks). He
has recorded with Jon Carroll (Starland Vocal Band).
Not only is he a wonderfully talented songwriter, but he is also
extremely adept with the guitar as he uses finger-picking and flat-
picking styles. When you put his heartfelt lyrics (many based in
fact) with his melodies, it’s the perfect recipe for songs that will reach
deep into your soul to touch every aspect of any emotion you can handle. It has been said that T. Edwin Doss
resembles Rodney Crowell, John Prine, Jim Croce, and Lyle Lovett.
“T” has garnered these awards:
Honorable Mention 2009, 2010 MASC (4 songs)
Silver Winner...lyrics..2010
Great American Song Contest (“Bama Hayride”)
2010 Lyric Winner GASC (“On a Cold, Cold Christmas Day”)
Raffle! Two lucky audience members will receive one of T. Edwin
Doss’s CDs. There are two CDs that prove the many talents of this “treasure to music.”
Doors open: 7:00pm (NOTE EARLIER TIME)
Suggested donation (solely for artists): $10-$20
Merchandise and CDs available for purchase.
I provide beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks and light food.
RSVP: April 10 (Robin) [email protected]
PLEASE REFER TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN YOU RSVP.
I hope you can join us for this very special evening!
4/12 T. Edwin Doss www.reverbnation.com/tedwindoss
5/3 Tony Denikos www.tonydenikos.com
6/14 Joe Truman www.joetruman.com
7/12 Eric Scott www.ericscottmusic.com
8/9 James Hurley www.jameshurleymusic.com
9/20 Christopher Jones www.christophermarkjones.com
10/11 Ian McFeron www.ianmcferon.com
11/15 Kyle Carey www.kyleannecarey.com
12/13 Lilt (Keith Carr/Tine Eck) www.liltirishmuslc.com
“Comfortable Concerts” features T. Edwin Doss by Robin Markle
Page 12
F.A.M.E. Board of Directors
Rick Hill, President
Todd C. Walker, Vice President
Rod Deacey, Vice President
Tomy Wright, Treasurer
Karen Fetters, Secretary
Ron Goad
Hank Kobrinski
Roy Greene, Editor
F.A.M.E. Newsletter welcomes your photos and stories about
local acoustic music and musicians. Please email submissions to
the editor at [email protected] by the 15th preceding the
month of publication. Submissions subject to editing.
Page 13
Washington Area Music Association Baltimore Songwriters Association
Songwriters’ Association of Washington DC Bluegrass Union
Folklore Society of Greater Washington Baltimore Folk Music Society
Some other organizations in the area that you may want to check out:
F.A.M.E. Goals: To nurture, promote and preserve original and traditional
acoustic music of all genres in Frederick and Frederick
County through live music, education and
community outreach.
To educate aspiring musicians and the general
public about all aspects of original and traditional
acoustic music of all genres via workshops, open
mikes, showcases and concerts.
To reach out to the community via workshops and
concerts, especially through schools and youth
organizations and the setting up of mentoring opportunities
for young and aspiring acoustic musicians.
F.A.M.E. M e m b e r s h i p * PO Box 554 , Je f fe rson, MD 21755 w w w . f reder ickacoust ic .o rg
P lease C i rc le Membersh ip Leve l :
* Al l Membersh ips (except L i fe t ime) a re good fo r one ca lendar yea r (Januar y th ru December ) P lease PRINT c lea r l y NAME : TODAY’S D ATE: AD DRESS :
PHONE : EMAIL :
P re fe r red Acoust ic Mus ic Genres (C i rc le a l l tha t app l y) :
Amer icana , Acoust ic Rock , Adu l t Contemporar y, B lues , B luegrass, Modern Fo lk , T rad i t iona l Fo lk ,
O ld -T ime , S inger -Songw ri te r
I am in te res ted in : Show cases , Open M ikes , Concer ts , House Concer ts , Mus ic /Mus ic Bus iness
Workshops
Ar t is ts you w ould l ike to see fea tured a t F .A .M .E . events :
How d id you f ind ou t about F .A.M .E .?
Genera l $ 10 (Bumper S t icker )
Suppor te r $ 25 (S t icker , T -sh i r t )
Sponsor $ 50 (S t icker , Tw o T -sh i r ts )
Corpora te $ 100 (Window St ickers , Program L is t ings )
L i fe t ime $ 200 (S t icker , T -sh i r t , Tw o Free Concer ts )
T -sh i r t S i zes (C i rc le One) : S M L X XXL