13
F.A.M.E. is looking for a Web Master! Can you help? If so, 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

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Page 1: In the spotlight…Sam Biskin - Virb › Build your own websitemedia.virbcdn.com/files/39/627ded39aa31ddac-0413.pdf · 2013-09-12 · Our MCs are Ron Goad, Todd C. Walker, and Tomy

F.A.M.E. is looking for a Web Master! Can you help? If so,

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

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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

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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