Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Amber Anne Love: For the Love
Featured Artist: School's Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: October 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
Amber Anne Love is on a spiritual journey and is using her music to pick up passengers along the way. Love feels strongly that there is a common denominator among all people that is easily found if one consciously searches it out. She is a huge promoter of peace and love and wants her music to be an avenue for people to find it in their lives. Love knows all too well this journey is often long and harrowing.
Love became a mother at age 18. During those initial years of motherhood, she noticed a lot of lyrics and images in popular music of the time were becoming increasingly disrespectful and violent toward women. Furthermore, she noticed the way it affected the energy of young men she knew as well as the way they communicated with and treated women. Eventually, Love felt her spirit break.
Until she met Cheryl Sonny Thompson. The two felt an immediate connection and share a loving, supportive relationship. Although Thompson has a significant history in music as well, their story did not begin with that. They began working together on Thompson's book until Thompson, noticing Love was constantly singing and playing the keyboard, asked Love what she really wanted to do. Today, Amber Anne Love, under Thompson Management, is working on an exciting new CD.
The single from the new CD, "All My Love," boasts an array of well-established musicians. Included in the project are David Becker, who played on both of Colby Caillat's Cd's, Marcia Day (back-up vocals), Tovia Bradly (drummer), and Walter Chancellor Jr. (sax). The group is planning to work together on Amber Anne Love's full CD.
Love's earlier EP's and Singles are available at Cheapo and other locations. Find details about this and more Amber Anne Love information @ www.amberannelove.com.
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: October 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
Amber Anne Love is on a spiritual journey and is using her music to pick up passengers along the way. Love feels strongly that there is a common denominator among all people that is easily found if one consciously searches it out. She is a huge promoter of peace and love and wants her music to be an avenue for people to find it in their lives. Love knows all too well this journey is often long and harrowing.
Love became a mother at age 18. During those initial years of motherhood, she noticed a lot of lyrics and images in popular music of the time were becoming increasingly disrespectful and violent toward women. Furthermore, she noticed the way it affected the energy of young men she knew as well as the way they communicated with and treated women. Eventually, Love felt her spirit break.
Until she met Cheryl Sonny Thompson. The two felt an immediate connection and share a loving, supportive relationship. Although Thompson has a significant history in music as well, their story did not begin with that. They began working together on Thompson's book until Thompson, noticing Love was constantly singing and playing the keyboard, asked Love what she really wanted to do. Today, Amber Anne Love, under Thompson Management, is working on an exciting new CD.
The single from the new CD, "All My Love," boasts an array of well-established musicians. Included in the project are David Becker, who played on both of Colby Caillat's Cd's, Marcia Day (back-up vocals), Tovia Bradly (drummer), and Walter Chancellor Jr. (sax). The group is planning to work together on Amber Anne Love's full CD.
Love's earlier EP's and Singles are available at Cheapo and other locations. Find details about this and more Amber Anne Love information @ www.amberannelove.com.
DeMonica Flye: Can Do it All, Will Do it All
Featured Artist: School's Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: October 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
DeMonica Flye is one of those women who takes what life throws her way and turns it into something as beautiful as her soulful voice. Emancipated at the age of 15, Flye began an early adulthood and motherhood. She has since raised three wonderful boys of her own and spent six years raising a friend's three children when she was called upon for help. Meanwhile, she never stopped performing.
Living in Chicago at age 18, Flye became a licensed DJ and spent a number of years DJing & performing in clubs all over the city. She worked with Kitty Neely, the number one black female DJ of the time, and with Neely's business Purrfect Production, was able to open for national acts.
Flye currently fronts her twelve-piece band, Hi-Definition, along with male lead vocalist, Ronell Henry. She is also spotted regularly around Minneapolis performing house music. She is adept at creating lyrics on the "Flye." Her ease with improvisation and wonderful voice often leave her audience requesting a recorded version. When Flye is not entertaining with house music, she is performing soul, r&b, jazz, and blues.
Along with her own musical ambition of releasing a self-titled Cd, Flye spends her time learning the business aspects of the music industry. She plans to pass on her business savvy to young talent who may not be in a position to attend classes themselves. Flye believes it is important for artists to be involved in every aspect of their music to ensure the final product is a true representation of what they wish to communicate to the world.
Find out more about DeMonica Flye and where you can watch her perform @
www.reverbnation.com/demonicaflyehidefinintion.
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: October 27, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
DeMonica Flye is one of those women who takes what life throws her way and turns it into something as beautiful as her soulful voice. Emancipated at the age of 15, Flye began an early adulthood and motherhood. She has since raised three wonderful boys of her own and spent six years raising a friend's three children when she was called upon for help. Meanwhile, she never stopped performing.
Living in Chicago at age 18, Flye became a licensed DJ and spent a number of years DJing & performing in clubs all over the city. She worked with Kitty Neely, the number one black female DJ of the time, and with Neely's business Purrfect Production, was able to open for national acts.
Flye currently fronts her twelve-piece band, Hi-Definition, along with male lead vocalist, Ronell Henry. She is also spotted regularly around Minneapolis performing house music. She is adept at creating lyrics on the "Flye." Her ease with improvisation and wonderful voice often leave her audience requesting a recorded version. When Flye is not entertaining with house music, she is performing soul, r&b, jazz, and blues.
Along with her own musical ambition of releasing a self-titled Cd, Flye spends her time learning the business aspects of the music industry. She plans to pass on her business savvy to young talent who may not be in a position to attend classes themselves. Flye believes it is important for artists to be involved in every aspect of their music to ensure the final product is a true representation of what they wish to communicate to the world.
Find out more about DeMonica Flye and where you can watch her perform @
www.reverbnation.com/demonicaflyehidefinintion.
Bob & Robi: Extraordinarily Delightful
A performance by this father/daughter team leaves nothing to be desired. Robi’s vocals captivate her audience from the first note and hold them until the performance is finished. Bob captures them with his guitar, laying the groundwork for song after song. It is clear these two are equally as entertained by each other on stage as the audience is by them.
As Bob picks the guitar, a half-smile appears on his face communicating the pure joy he gets from playing. As he harmonizes with his daughter, it is obvious where she inherited her impressive talent. Robi’s voice has the ability to transport you to an earlier era with her song “What Will I Do about You.” She mesmerizes the audience with her rendition of Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine When Your Gone” and Sarah McLachlan’s “In the Arms of an Angel.” Her voice envelopes the audience and is one that can move them to cry, laugh, or dance. Truly, she is a gifted vocalist.
If the chance presents itself to see these two perform, do not pass it up.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Corey Koehler: Music Goat
Featured Artist: School's Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: October 20, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
Corey Koehler (pronounced KAY-ler) is a musician with an unending supply of goals for his music career and the ambition to follow through. The title of his first CD, Never Too Late, reflects Koehler's own path to singing and songwriting. Around the age of 30, Koehler finally decided he wanted more than he could wean from a nine-to-five job. He picked up his guitar, which he hadn't touched in years, and discovered not all was lost. Something about the music gave Koehler the fulfillment he was searching for.
His singing ability was an accidental discovery. Though he always enjoyed belting out songs along with the radio, it was his friends who encouraged this talent. Koehler would grab his guitar while sitting around a campfire to entertain an audience of friends. Compliments on his vocals became so frequent he started to believe maybe he possessed genuine talent.
Koehler tried a succession of get-rich-quick schemes dreaming one would position him, financially, where he could devote the majority of his time to music. In retrospect, Koehler says that was the wrong decision. He now believes expending his energy on his musical abilities provides the greatest benefit and recommends the same to anyone with a talent of their own. He feels strongly that once a person begins exploring their talent, they find a more meaningful existence and are better able to positively influence the people around them.
Koehler's insight is present in the seven americana originals in Never Too Late. Lyrically, his subject matter relates to anyone who finds themselves weary of monotony in the daily grind, inadequate in choosing words to express compassion over loss, and an active participant (eventually, anyway) in the failure of a relationship. Musically, he makes you want to raise a beer and toast yourself for making it this far.
Koehler is not committing himself solely to americana. His influences stem from multiple genres, many of which he would like to try in the future. He considers himself a bit of a "music goat." He has never been able to decide upon one genre and stick with it, so he decided it was unnecessary. Koehler arrived at the term "music goat," he says, because a goat will eat anything. In the same fashion, Koehler will absorb all types of music without a preference for any one in particular. He also loves a hearty breakfast.
Find out more:
www.planetcorey.com
www.musicgoat.com
www.facebook.com/coreykoehlermusic
www.twitter.com/planetcorey
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Date: October 20, 2010
Time: 7:00pm
Corey Koehler (pronounced KAY-ler) is a musician with an unending supply of goals for his music career and the ambition to follow through. The title of his first CD, Never Too Late, reflects Koehler's own path to singing and songwriting. Around the age of 30, Koehler finally decided he wanted more than he could wean from a nine-to-five job. He picked up his guitar, which he hadn't touched in years, and discovered not all was lost. Something about the music gave Koehler the fulfillment he was searching for.
His singing ability was an accidental discovery. Though he always enjoyed belting out songs along with the radio, it was his friends who encouraged this talent. Koehler would grab his guitar while sitting around a campfire to entertain an audience of friends. Compliments on his vocals became so frequent he started to believe maybe he possessed genuine talent.
Koehler tried a succession of get-rich-quick schemes dreaming one would position him, financially, where he could devote the majority of his time to music. In retrospect, Koehler says that was the wrong decision. He now believes expending his energy on his musical abilities provides the greatest benefit and recommends the same to anyone with a talent of their own. He feels strongly that once a person begins exploring their talent, they find a more meaningful existence and are better able to positively influence the people around them.
Koehler's insight is present in the seven americana originals in Never Too Late. Lyrically, his subject matter relates to anyone who finds themselves weary of monotony in the daily grind, inadequate in choosing words to express compassion over loss, and an active participant (eventually, anyway) in the failure of a relationship. Musically, he makes you want to raise a beer and toast yourself for making it this far.
Koehler is not committing himself solely to americana. His influences stem from multiple genres, many of which he would like to try in the future. He considers himself a bit of a "music goat." He has never been able to decide upon one genre and stick with it, so he decided it was unnecessary. Koehler arrived at the term "music goat," he says, because a goat will eat anything. In the same fashion, Koehler will absorb all types of music without a preference for any one in particular. He also loves a hearty breakfast.
Find out more:
www.planetcorey.com
www.musicgoat.com
www.facebook.com/coreykoehlermusic
www.twitter.com/planetcorey
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Jazzy J Benefit: Party for Life
A benefit was held last Wednesday for beloved member of the Twin Cities music community, Jazzy J. Jazzy is the owner of Twin Cities Radio which provides a forum for independent, unsigned artists to display their musical talent. Jazzy has established himself as a champion of these artists' abilities.
Recently, Jazzy suffered a recurrence of cancer and, as many do, struggles to pay medical expenses. The Twin Cities music community rallied. Often times we hear phrases surrounding these benefits such as "outpouring of love" and "a community united." Jazzy's Party for Life benefit exemplified each of these. The members of this artistic community came out in droves in support of their friend. They offered their time, support, talent, art, and friendship to make Party for Life a success.
The atmosphere of the Bar Fly's loft was one of celebration and seemed to reflect this man's approach to life. Jazzy was obviously moved. He could be seen greeting everyone with a smile of appreciation and words of friendship. It was apparent Jazzy was fully enjoying the experience and equally apparent that the success of each of the artists is as personal to him as his own.
All in all, it was nothing short of uplifting to see this music community, which Jazzy has dedicated much of his energy helping to cultivate, return such an incredible amount of encouragement, warmth, and love. It is an impressive group of talented individuals worthy of support from their neighbors. Through their music, we are provided a venue for this celebration we call life.
In honor of the health and happiness of Jazzy J, let there be songs to fill the air.
Recently, Jazzy suffered a recurrence of cancer and, as many do, struggles to pay medical expenses. The Twin Cities music community rallied. Often times we hear phrases surrounding these benefits such as "outpouring of love" and "a community united." Jazzy's Party for Life benefit exemplified each of these. The members of this artistic community came out in droves in support of their friend. They offered their time, support, talent, art, and friendship to make Party for Life a success.
The atmosphere of the Bar Fly's loft was one of celebration and seemed to reflect this man's approach to life. Jazzy was obviously moved. He could be seen greeting everyone with a smile of appreciation and words of friendship. It was apparent Jazzy was fully enjoying the experience and equally apparent that the success of each of the artists is as personal to him as his own.
All in all, it was nothing short of uplifting to see this music community, which Jazzy has dedicated much of his energy helping to cultivate, return such an incredible amount of encouragement, warmth, and love. It is an impressive group of talented individuals worthy of support from their neighbors. Through their music, we are provided a venue for this celebration we call life.
In honor of the health and happiness of Jazzy J, let there be songs to fill the air.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Suzen Juel: Life is an Art
Featured Artist: School's Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: Wednesday, October 13th @ 7pm
Suzen Juel was born in Milwaukee, WI into a musical French family heritage. Her father played spoons and the washboard. Juel's mother was skilled on piano, banjo, and guitar, and she was also a painter. Her first guitar was handcrafted for her by her grandfather. Juel took three months of guitar lessons, but when her instructor wanted her to sing, Juel was so scared she went home and informed her parents she would not return.
She began playing the piano as a five year old. When her parents' visitors asked if she was taking lessons, her parents would inform them that she played by ear. This upset the five-year-old Juel who would insist, "I do not use my ear to play the piano!" But that is exactly how Juel has developed her musical abilities. She never learned to read music, so her repertoire is strictly original works. She is currently working on a new CD of storytelling types of americana/folk/blues songs with titles like "Drinking the Wrong Man Right." She sings with a dry, throaty sound and has been referred to locally as "our own Lucinda Williams."
In 1989, Juel was living with her family in Michigan's upper peninsula. Her gut told her a move to Minneapolis would be the right thing for her. She left home with her guitar, a stranger she met the night before, and a one hundred dollar bill. She crashed on the stranger's couch until she got her footing in a new city and was able to venture out on her own.
For a period of time, Juel was in a band opening for Tina and the B Sides. She very much admired Tina's drive and worked up the courage to approach Tina with a cassette of her music. Shortly after, Tina called to say she would love to produce Juel's music. Nothing became of the exchange, but it sparked something in Juel. Six months later, her band dissipated and Juel began a solo career.
Juel can be found performing for a global audience through Second Life. Second Life allows Juel to perform from the comforts of her own home, earn as much, if not more, for her shows and be accessible in many countries. She spends her mornings painting, and her time on stage projecting all the emotion she can offer to and absorb from her audience.
Find out more at www.suzenjuel.com
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: Wednesday, October 13th @ 7pm
Suzen Juel was born in Milwaukee, WI into a musical French family heritage. Her father played spoons and the washboard. Juel's mother was skilled on piano, banjo, and guitar, and she was also a painter. Her first guitar was handcrafted for her by her grandfather. Juel took three months of guitar lessons, but when her instructor wanted her to sing, Juel was so scared she went home and informed her parents she would not return.
She began playing the piano as a five year old. When her parents' visitors asked if she was taking lessons, her parents would inform them that she played by ear. This upset the five-year-old Juel who would insist, "I do not use my ear to play the piano!" But that is exactly how Juel has developed her musical abilities. She never learned to read music, so her repertoire is strictly original works. She is currently working on a new CD of storytelling types of americana/folk/blues songs with titles like "Drinking the Wrong Man Right." She sings with a dry, throaty sound and has been referred to locally as "our own Lucinda Williams."
In 1989, Juel was living with her family in Michigan's upper peninsula. Her gut told her a move to Minneapolis would be the right thing for her. She left home with her guitar, a stranger she met the night before, and a one hundred dollar bill. She crashed on the stranger's couch until she got her footing in a new city and was able to venture out on her own.
For a period of time, Juel was in a band opening for Tina and the B Sides. She very much admired Tina's drive and worked up the courage to approach Tina with a cassette of her music. Shortly after, Tina called to say she would love to produce Juel's music. Nothing became of the exchange, but it sparked something in Juel. Six months later, her band dissipated and Juel began a solo career.
Juel can be found performing for a global audience through Second Life. Second Life allows Juel to perform from the comforts of her own home, earn as much, if not more, for her shows and be accessible in many countries. She spends her mornings painting, and her time on stage projecting all the emotion she can offer to and absorb from her audience.
Find out more at www.suzenjuel.com
Holly Jackson: School's Open Found It's Class Clown
Feature Comedian: Schools Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: Wednesday, October 13th @ 7pm
For fourteen years, Holly Jackson enjoyed a career as an event planner dabbling in wedding planning on the side. Two years ago, her husband was deployed to Iraq. Jackson was deeply affected by the absence of her husband and her friends took notice. Shortly after he left, Jackson's friend told her, "you're an event planner, plan an event and go over there." The conversation happened on a Friday. By Monday, Jackson managed to arrange a line-up of well-known comedians and submit the program to the USO. The show is cleared to perform for the troops this spring.
The past two years of Jackson's life were something of a whirlwind. She now runs her own entertainment management company, NAF Entertainment. She has organized a Gospel tour through Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Soon, Jackson will head to Dubai to assist a start up record company with public relations, and she is just beginning to delve into her own stand up comedy career. She will be performing Monday, October 12th at 8:00pm at the Acme Comedy Club in Minneapolis.
Jackson is also proud to be heading a fundraiser for Bruno Serato, owner of the White House restaurant in Anaheim, CA. Serato was recently featured in People magazine and interviewed by Katie Couric for donating thousands of meals to the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim. As a result of his generosity, Serato will receive the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Anaheim International Film Festival. However, his generosity has also brought him serious financial hardship. Jackson's fundraising mission will attempt to ease his financial strain.
Jackson still wakes up in the morning, thinks about the opportunities that have come to her in recent years and thinks, "wow, I can't believe this is my life!" She has a wonderful son working on his second Cd and a loving husband who wrote a book about her.
Although Jackson will not be singing at School's Open, since her sole venue for that is the shower, she will be providing comic relief between musical guests. Come out to support a rising comedic genius!
NAF Entertainment
www.nafentertainment.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
East of Innocence: Madames of the Mic
Feature Artist: School's Open(to Host at a later date)
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: Wednesday, October 13th @ 7pm
Fast friends, Jen VonGroven and Marcy Vonne, founded East of Innocence (EOI) nearly six years ago. They entertain the crowd with an array of original music, which they have been writing since day one. Original songs display their versatility through a diverse blend of rock, blues, strong harmonies, and the occasional drinking song. EOI also performs an impressive number of covers focusing primarily on popular music, the latest of which is their rendition of Lady Gaga's "Alejandro."
Both VonGroven and Vonne enjoyed music-filled childhoods. VonGroven's earliest vocal influences were her father, who sang in a barbershop quartet, and her high school choir director who, not surprisingly, directed her high school choir. In early adulthood, Gwen Steffani, a fairly well-known musician she is happy to have briefly met, fueled VonGroven's musical ambitions. VonGroven picked up the guitar while living in Mexico. She would sound out songs note by note until she became accomplished enough to fluidly play such tunes as "Puff, the Magic Dragon."
Vonne began playing piano at age four. She played at church and participated in classical piano competitions. She began to write her own music and lyrics while growing up, eventually making the common transition from classical piano to heavy metal band by the turn of the century. Vonne used her time in the band to strengthen her vocal abilities.
Vonne and VonGroven found each other at a neighborhood dive bar by chance. VonGroven was exchanging friendly chatter with a gentleman she saw earlier sitting next to Vonne and, as Vonne approached, feared she would be accused of flirting with Vonne's husband. Vonne smiled at her husband, marched directly past him and addressed a nervous VonGroven, "I heard you sing, do you play an instrument too?" Although VonGroven had advanced beyond "Magic Dragon," she was still unsure of her talent level but confidently replied, "Yes, the guitar." Vonne asked if VonGroven would like to join her band. They had their first practice the following day where Vonne finally confided to Vongroven that there was no band. EOI was born and they released their first EP six months later.
EOI gave their inaugural live performance to sixty friends and family members in Vonne's garage. Shortly after, VonGroven made a career decision that took her to San Francisco. A year later Vonne flew out and the two drove back to Saint Paul together, VonGroven belting out "Route 66" until Vonne threatened to throw her into the Grand Canyon. EOI has released two full length Cd's (the most recent entitled UnGlued) of original music since their return.
The newest venture undertaken is co-writing the song, "Madame." It has very tongue-in-cheek, humorous lyrics which reflects the sense of humor the two women share (and to clarify, it absolutely does not reflect their lifestyle in any imaginable way). Meeting these women, you get a sense that they take seriously their passion, but do not, passionately, take seriously themselves.
EOI will be performing in uptown at Famous Dave's for the Battle of the Bands on October 17th. See all their upcoming performances and preview their music at www.eastofinnocence.com.
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: Wednesday, October 13th @ 7pm
Fast friends, Jen VonGroven and Marcy Vonne, founded East of Innocence (EOI) nearly six years ago. They entertain the crowd with an array of original music, which they have been writing since day one. Original songs display their versatility through a diverse blend of rock, blues, strong harmonies, and the occasional drinking song. EOI also performs an impressive number of covers focusing primarily on popular music, the latest of which is their rendition of Lady Gaga's "Alejandro."
Both VonGroven and Vonne enjoyed music-filled childhoods. VonGroven's earliest vocal influences were her father, who sang in a barbershop quartet, and her high school choir director who, not surprisingly, directed her high school choir. In early adulthood, Gwen Steffani, a fairly well-known musician she is happy to have briefly met, fueled VonGroven's musical ambitions. VonGroven picked up the guitar while living in Mexico. She would sound out songs note by note until she became accomplished enough to fluidly play such tunes as "Puff, the Magic Dragon."
Vonne began playing piano at age four. She played at church and participated in classical piano competitions. She began to write her own music and lyrics while growing up, eventually making the common transition from classical piano to heavy metal band by the turn of the century. Vonne used her time in the band to strengthen her vocal abilities.
Vonne and VonGroven found each other at a neighborhood dive bar by chance. VonGroven was exchanging friendly chatter with a gentleman she saw earlier sitting next to Vonne and, as Vonne approached, feared she would be accused of flirting with Vonne's husband. Vonne smiled at her husband, marched directly past him and addressed a nervous VonGroven, "I heard you sing, do you play an instrument too?" Although VonGroven had advanced beyond "Magic Dragon," she was still unsure of her talent level but confidently replied, "Yes, the guitar." Vonne asked if VonGroven would like to join her band. They had their first practice the following day where Vonne finally confided to Vongroven that there was no band. EOI was born and they released their first EP six months later.
EOI gave their inaugural live performance to sixty friends and family members in Vonne's garage. Shortly after, VonGroven made a career decision that took her to San Francisco. A year later Vonne flew out and the two drove back to Saint Paul together, VonGroven belting out "Route 66" until Vonne threatened to throw her into the Grand Canyon. EOI has released two full length Cd's (the most recent entitled UnGlued) of original music since their return.
The newest venture undertaken is co-writing the song, "Madame." It has very tongue-in-cheek, humorous lyrics which reflects the sense of humor the two women share (and to clarify, it absolutely does not reflect their lifestyle in any imaginable way). Meeting these women, you get a sense that they take seriously their passion, but do not, passionately, take seriously themselves.
EOI will be performing in uptown at Famous Dave's for the Battle of the Bands on October 17th. See all their upcoming performances and preview their music at www.eastofinnocence.com.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Francis Duxbury III: "Comfort Music" Lyricist
Featured Artist: School's Open
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: 7:00pm
"What musical genre do I fit in?" The question Francis Duxbury III posed to himself was answered by a friend after a moment of reflection, "Comfort Music." Duxbury agreed, amused by his friends insight, and has described it as such ever since.
Duxbury, along with Bill Travers (of Four on the Floor) recently celebrated the release of their newest CD, Francis Duxbury III and Bill Travers: Hide Me. Vocal harmonies with Laura Moe (of Dodd Road) are peppered throughout the CD, including the title track, "Hide Me." The folk-rock comfort music is as inviting as Duxbury's lyrics are revealing. His lyrics cover a wide range of subject matter from the universal themes of love and heartache to personal stories of loss. Examples of this range include "Good Night Marge," about the loss of a grandmother, written for his grandchildren, Julia and Gabe, and their father. Another is "Right Back with You," written for "the men and women in service of our freedom and for the ones they leave behind" (Duxbury, liner notes).
Duxbury has been writing song lyrics since he was fifteen. He is thankful for the gift to write and doesn't question his ability "because then I wouldn't." Duxbury attributes much of his writing technique to artists such as John Denver, from whom he learned to create lyrics without depending on a structured form.
Bill Travers is Duxbury's friend and supporter of the past ten years. They share a history of playing the same jam sessions. Individual styles, they admit, make them an unlikely musical team; however, there is a mutual respect that became critical to the creation of Hide Me. About five years ago, Duxbury decided to take some weeks off from playing gigs; those weeks rolled into a five-year hiatus. Travers encouraged Duxbury to play again, insisting that Duxbury had "too much talent to be doing nothing." Somewhere among the coaxing of Travers and the loss of their mutual, beloved friend Cheater Slick (Jim Tiseth), to whom the CD is dedicated, Duxbury found his way back among his peers.
Together, Duxbury and Travers are a treat to see. Duxbury, with quick movements magnified by a wonderfully outgoing personality, appears to be everywhere in the room at once. Travers, on the other hand, enjoys the evening settled back on his heels, reflecting the celebratory atmosphere through a mischievous? glimmer in his eyes. Moe adds an additional layer to the dynamics of the group that may intrigue them enough to make the trio official.
The two host an open mic/jam session every Sunday evening at the VFW in South Saint Paul. Stop by to support them during these cooler seasons and let their music transport your mind to a balmy summer evening around a campfire.
www.myspace.com/francisduxburyiii
Venue: School II, Chanhassen, MN
Time: 7:00pm
"What musical genre do I fit in?" The question Francis Duxbury III posed to himself was answered by a friend after a moment of reflection, "Comfort Music." Duxbury agreed, amused by his friends insight, and has described it as such ever since.
Duxbury, along with Bill Travers (of Four on the Floor) recently celebrated the release of their newest CD, Francis Duxbury III and Bill Travers: Hide Me. Vocal harmonies with Laura Moe (of Dodd Road) are peppered throughout the CD, including the title track, "Hide Me." The folk-rock comfort music is as inviting as Duxbury's lyrics are revealing. His lyrics cover a wide range of subject matter from the universal themes of love and heartache to personal stories of loss. Examples of this range include "Good Night Marge," about the loss of a grandmother, written for his grandchildren, Julia and Gabe, and their father. Another is "Right Back with You," written for "the men and women in service of our freedom and for the ones they leave behind" (Duxbury, liner notes).
Duxbury has been writing song lyrics since he was fifteen. He is thankful for the gift to write and doesn't question his ability "because then I wouldn't." Duxbury attributes much of his writing technique to artists such as John Denver, from whom he learned to create lyrics without depending on a structured form.
Bill Travers is Duxbury's friend and supporter of the past ten years. They share a history of playing the same jam sessions. Individual styles, they admit, make them an unlikely musical team; however, there is a mutual respect that became critical to the creation of Hide Me. About five years ago, Duxbury decided to take some weeks off from playing gigs; those weeks rolled into a five-year hiatus. Travers encouraged Duxbury to play again, insisting that Duxbury had "too much talent to be doing nothing." Somewhere among the coaxing of Travers and the loss of their mutual, beloved friend Cheater Slick (Jim Tiseth), to whom the CD is dedicated, Duxbury found his way back among his peers.
Together, Duxbury and Travers are a treat to see. Duxbury, with quick movements magnified by a wonderfully outgoing personality, appears to be everywhere in the room at once. Travers, on the other hand, enjoys the evening settled back on his heels, reflecting the celebratory atmosphere through a mischievous? glimmer in his eyes. Moe adds an additional layer to the dynamics of the group that may intrigue them enough to make the trio official.
The two host an open mic/jam session every Sunday evening at the VFW in South Saint Paul. Stop by to support them during these cooler seasons and let their music transport your mind to a balmy summer evening around a campfire.
www.myspace.com/francisduxburyiii
Paul Booth Johnson: One Man, One Guitar, One Mic...Much Blues
Featured Artist: School's Open
Location: School II Wine Bistro, Chanhassen, MN
Time: 7:00pm
Blues musician, Paul Booth Johnson, was given his first guitar, purchased at a Duluth pawn shop by his father, at the age of ten. "I didn't play it, I destroyed it," he claims, recollecting his earliest days with the instrument. But thanks to a few lessons at a Duluth music shop and a mix of tolerance and support from his parents, Johnson's talent on the guitar improved greatly. It led him from the acoustic days of his youth, through an '80s high school heavy metal band, to his membership in the band Paradise. The group played to a solid following throughout the Midwest during the '90s and is currently working toward a reunion. Johnson has most recently returned to performing solo acoustic styling.
Johnson has played slide guitar for the past 23 years. The idea of acoustical performance challenged Johnson. He set out to discover whether he could captivate a crowd with only a guitar and a microphone. And captivate he does. Johnson won the open division semi-finals at this year's Minnesota State Fair with his blues song, "Delta Slide. " The win allowed him to perform to a crowd from the Fair's Grand Stand where he was spotted by a Mankato State University representative. This sighting resulted in an invitation to play at the student union for a program showcasing Minnesota quality talent.
Johnson's adoration of the blues is evident in his music. He is quick to provide a laundry list of influential artists and will discuss their musical contributions with a passion and intensity that makes you want to run out and play them all so you can hang onto that energy.
Johnson remains passionate yet modest when discussing personal inspirations for his music. Although Johnson has experienced tragedy, including that of his father's suicide when Johnson was only 21 years old, he says he does "not get all depressed and then go write songs." Instead, he gets an idea from a song or technique he hears, organizes it in his head, then sits down with his guitar. He practiced this form of writing music while travelling the highways of the United States during his sixteen year stint as a truck driver. Alone on the road with a song in his head, he would "write" music for miles until he was able to access his guitar.
Paul Booth Johnson has been enamored with music since childhood, just tall enough to watch his mother's record player boast her favorite '50s tunes. Today he loves a stage, an audience, and his blues. And he'll happily debate string theory, ghosts, and UFO's between sets.
www.myspace.com/paulboothjohnsonmusic
Location: School II Wine Bistro, Chanhassen, MN
Time: 7:00pm
Blues musician, Paul Booth Johnson, was given his first guitar, purchased at a Duluth pawn shop by his father, at the age of ten. "I didn't play it, I destroyed it," he claims, recollecting his earliest days with the instrument. But thanks to a few lessons at a Duluth music shop and a mix of tolerance and support from his parents, Johnson's talent on the guitar improved greatly. It led him from the acoustic days of his youth, through an '80s high school heavy metal band, to his membership in the band Paradise. The group played to a solid following throughout the Midwest during the '90s and is currently working toward a reunion. Johnson has most recently returned to performing solo acoustic styling.
Johnson has played slide guitar for the past 23 years. The idea of acoustical performance challenged Johnson. He set out to discover whether he could captivate a crowd with only a guitar and a microphone. And captivate he does. Johnson won the open division semi-finals at this year's Minnesota State Fair with his blues song, "Delta Slide. " The win allowed him to perform to a crowd from the Fair's Grand Stand where he was spotted by a Mankato State University representative. This sighting resulted in an invitation to play at the student union for a program showcasing Minnesota quality talent.
Johnson's adoration of the blues is evident in his music. He is quick to provide a laundry list of influential artists and will discuss their musical contributions with a passion and intensity that makes you want to run out and play them all so you can hang onto that energy.
Johnson remains passionate yet modest when discussing personal inspirations for his music. Although Johnson has experienced tragedy, including that of his father's suicide when Johnson was only 21 years old, he says he does "not get all depressed and then go write songs." Instead, he gets an idea from a song or technique he hears, organizes it in his head, then sits down with his guitar. He practiced this form of writing music while travelling the highways of the United States during his sixteen year stint as a truck driver. Alone on the road with a song in his head, he would "write" music for miles until he was able to access his guitar.
Paul Booth Johnson has been enamored with music since childhood, just tall enough to watch his mother's record player boast her favorite '50s tunes. Today he loves a stage, an audience, and his blues. And he'll happily debate string theory, ghosts, and UFO's between sets.
www.myspace.com/paulboothjohnsonmusic
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