Monday, August 24, 2009

WML 10: Multitasking in the Music Business

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Welcome to Playground Music's Tenth edition of Weekend Music Links.

With our tenth edition we introduce a development. Each new issue will focus on a specific theme. This week's them was inspired by our interview with Josh Street who made the point that in today's fast-paced world it has almost become a prerequisite that one wear many hats in order to make it in the music business. So we'll be taking a look at some articles, videos and links that will hopefully inspire you to don a few more caps.

With our new focus, though, we are not going to forget local bands regardless of the week's theme, so, as always...if you are a local musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out about upcoming shows, releases or projects, drop us a line.

You can follow and contact us on twitter @ playgroundpc, or send a message to our Facebook page administrators: Ford Seeuws or Justin Weathermon.

LOCAL STUFF

Branching Out: Interview with Local Album Man Josh Street



We got in touch with Joshua Street this week, founder of Branch Records, to tell us a bit about his company, background and recording process.

PMC: When/how did you get the idea to start a record company?

I've always been really passionate about music. So has pretty much everyone around me. Like most great ideas they start with just friends talking, but after a while it progressed to a lot more. In the past, I was really discouraged with how music was developing. A lot of great music and talented people, but not a whole lot of environments and support systems to nurture it. Branch is a culmination of those ideas and feelings. As I answer these questions, I'm listening to artists create music and sitting in a studio built by the label. I really can't complain.

What distinguishes you as a record company?
We don't operate like one. A normal record company operates by promotional formulas and media outlets. Push the record here and there. Follow the market to this style and that style. We just pick music we are passionate about, creative people we like, develop the tools they need, and cultivate an environment to support their success. You can waste a lot of time trying to follow in someone else's shoes.

What is your favorite part of recording/promoting music?
Recording was one of my original passions, but probably my favorite part of what we do is creating tools and forming partnerships that build our artist community.

Any music that you find yourself listening to more than others?
I love music you can drive to and think about. Woodale, Ben Folds, David Gray come to mind. I indulge in a good 80's ballad every now and again.

You have any advice for young musicians, kids in school band, who may be interested in a future in recording?
Be ready to trudge your own path. The current system isn't set up to produce another Wynton Marsalis or Michael Jackson. They came during an old paradigm. The exciting thing is you have never had access to so many opportunities to create a job for yourself in music. Just be willing to wear a few different hats.

If you're interested in supporting local music, give Branch a hand this week. They are on their way to South By Southwest and are looking to hold their own panel on exploring new models for record labels. Read more at the Branch Records Blog, and please consider voting for their panel.

CONNECT WITH BRANCH:
Branch on Facebook
Branch on Twitter
Branch Website

LOCAL ARTISTS

Erich von Hinken

Erich got his start in music at age 5 with piano lessons. You can see him in action as a little tyke in this video from Erich's video blog (which we'll be getting back to in a minute).

Citing a broad range of influences from Beethoven, Chopin, and Bach to Anathallo, MuteMath, and Sigur Rios, Erich is as adept with the classics as he is with contemporary music of various styles.

Erich graduated from GCCC last year, having composed numerous original works including a string quartet and works for piano. All the while he was honing his improvisation and songwriting skills and released his own record with the help of the boys at Branch.

Erich is currently attending the FSU School of Music and has taken up keyboard duties with an up-and-coming Tallahassee band named Vera.

As far as multitasking goes, he's been known to break out a theremin, Key-tar, and if the music thing doesn't work he could always resort to playing Link if they ever make an adaptation of Zelda to the big screen:



The above video came from a video blog that Erich maintained last year in which he played everything from Power Rangers and Pokemon to Beethoven, Alicia Keys and Biz Markie. He also featured guest artists, and one of our own makes a cameo to play a bit of Beethoven and Journey. Visit Erich's Youtube channel to watch and listen.

CONNECT WITH ERICH:
Erich Von Hinken.com
Erich on Myspace
Vera on Facebook

LOCAL EVENTS

The Panama City Music Association has released their 2010 calendar. All performances are at the Marina Civic Center at 7:30 p.m.:

Monday, January 25 - The Pirates of Penzance
Monday, February 8 - The Israel Ballet, "Don Quixote"
Thursday, March 4 - Odessa Philharmonic with Cellist, William DeRosa
Wednesday, March 10- "Annie," Broadway Musical

Individual Events

Heart of David Worship Series
Featuring Ford Seeuws on violin and Johnny Burrows, Vocalist.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
6:00pm - 7:00pm
GULF BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH
10620-HUTCHISON BLVD(Middle Beach Rd)
Call 234-8892 for more info or visit the Heart of David Worship Series Event Page for more info.

Chris Godber in God Bless America Concert
Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Panama City Mall
Join Chris and many other artists at the Panama City Mall for a Free Concert! This is an inside event and should be in the center of the mall or on the Dillard's Wing. (More details to come....) Do a little shopping, listen to some music, it's all good! Chris goes on at 12:00PM.
Facebook Event Page

Ongoing Events

Backstage Pass Concert Series
Facebook
Cash Money performs tonight! Last in the series!
Dark and cool speakeasy atmosphere. Show up early and tour the backstage area. Local bands and you on stage!
Friday Nights from July 24th-August 28th
6:30 - 8:00
Marina Civic Center (Stage Entrance at Northeast corner of building)
$5
Tickets are available in advance - online at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at Civic Center box office window.
More information on their Facebook Event Page.

Live in Concert at the Martin Theatre
Facebook
Sundays from now through Sept. 13
The Martin Theatre Green Room
3 - 7 p.m.
$2
This week featuring Blue Ribbon Healers.
Details:
3 to 4 pm is a meet and greet with the artists,
at 4 we begin recording the show for WKGC.
Come and be a part of the show. 5PM to 7PM is music and more music.
Every week Lucky Mudd opens up the the afternoon of music for a different musical guest.
For more details visit Emerald Coast Studio.com.

Will Therrien
Will's Wednesdays-7 pm @ Mellow Mushroom on the beach.
Saturdays - 8 pm @ Joey's Coffee Shop on Front Beach Road

Jazz, Jazz, Jazz!
On Wednesday nights, jazz fans have numerous options:

*Jazz Vocalist Suzanne Stewart-McDowell performs in the patio at the Los Antojitos Restaurant from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The restaurant is located about a mile east of the bridge on the edge of St. Andrews on Hwy. 98.

*Musician Steve Wiggins heads up a lively jam session at the Grand Panama Coffee Shop adjacent to the Edgewater Resort on Font Beach Road.

*Jazz Jam at the Granite Cafe (on the corner of Beck Ave and 10th St. in St. Andrews)from 6 - 10 pm. Bring an instrument and a bit of rhythm and join the jam!

YOUTUBE TALENT

* If you haven't heard Paul Dateh, the hip-hop violinist, you're missing out. Here he is demonstrating today's theme with style. Plus, he's doing it to help a friend fight cancer. Cool idea...



* While not necessarily keeping in with the theme, they're local boys, so we'll cut them a break. The Carolinas did a little live music at The Gap, so if you haven't heard them yet, here's their video of the performance:
The Carolinas also have some free tunes available at Bandcamp.

* Shenzo, the rock violist we featured last week, knows a thing or two about multitasking. In fact, he takes it a weee bit over the top with his Electric Stunt Orchestra:



LINKS/NEWS

* As if high schoolers aren't already wearing enough hats, here's another one to throw their way. The National Association of Music Merchants is hosting a contest for high school and Jr. High students who play in a band performing their own original songs. "Each of the 10 finalists will receive prize money to purchase new gear—and so will their school music programs! In addition, the winning band will travel to Europe next March to perform at the 2010 SchoolJam Germany finals in Frankfurt" -from the NAMM website. The deadline for applications is October 15.

Check out their 30 second promo:



More info is available at the following sites:
NAMM's Article on the School Jam Contest
The School Jam USA Home Page
School Jam USA on Facbeook
School Jam USA on Twitter
School Jam USA on Myspace

* The LA Times has an insightful article referencing It Might Get Loud, a film in which Director Davis Guggenheim rounded up rock icons Jimmy Page, the Edge and Jack White to talk about life in the rock world. LA Times writer chatted with all three and included excerpts from their discussion. Read Wanna Be a Rock Star: Career Advice from JImmy Page, the Edge, and Jack White (thanks to PowellMusic for the find).

* Some good discussion about songwriting is occurring at Twitter's Songwriting Community Blog (yes, such a thing exists). If writing songs is one of the hats you are wearing (or are aspiring to wear) check out this article on Adding Soul to Your Songwriting (thanks to Jon Ostrow for the find).

TOTALLY RANDOM

* Another Flowchart for you this week (courtesy XKCD).


Well, that's all for this week. Thanks for reading!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Weekend Music Links: Issue 9

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Welcome to Playground Music's ninth edition of Weekend Music Links. If you have any favorite blogs, message boards, videos, sites, bands, upcoming events, or anything else that you think deserves a mention, please send them our way. We love to get your feedback!

Remember-If you are a local musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out about upcoming shows, releases or projects, drop us a line.

You can follow and contact us on twitter @ playgroundpc, or send a message to our Facebook page administrators: Ford Seeuws or Justin Weathermon.


LOCAL ARTISTS

Unfortunately, we don't have any local artists to feature this week. If you'd like to be featured please let us know!


LOCAL EVENTS

Individual Events

Heart of David Worship Series
Featuring Ford Seeuws on violin and Johnny Burrows, Vocalist.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
6:00pm - 7:00pm
GULF BEACH BAPTIST CHURCH
10620-HUTCHISON BLVD(Middle Beach Rd)
Call 234-8892 for more info or visit the Heart of David Worship Series Event Page for more info.

Chris Godber in God Bless America Concert
Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Panama City Mall
Join Chris and many other artists at the Panama City Mall for a Free Concert! This is an inside event and should be in the center of the mall or on the Dillard's Wing. (More details to come....) Do a little shopping, listen to some music, it's all good! Chris goes on at 12:00PM.
Facebook Event Page

Ongoing Events

Backstage Pass Concert Series
Facebook
The Romanics (featuring a handful of local musicians including Bay Arts' own Jennifer Jones) Performs Tonight!!
Dark and cool speakeasy atmosphere. Show up early and tour the backstage area. Local bands and you on stage!
Friday Nights from July 24th-August 28th
6:30 - 8:00
Marina Civic Center (Stage Entrance at Northeast corner of building)
$5
Tickets are available in advance - online at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at Civic Center box office window.
More information on their Facebook Event Page.

Live in Concert at the Martin Theatre
Facebook
Sundays from now through Sept. 13
The Martin Theatre Green Room
3 - 7 p.m.
$2
This week featuring Mike Jurgensen.
Details:
3 to 4 pm is a meet and greet with the artists,
at 4 we begin recording the show for WKGC.
Come and be a part of the show. 5PM to 7PM is music and more music.
Every week Lucky Mudd opens up the the afternoon of music for a different musical guest.
For more details visit Emerald Coast Studio.com.

Will Therrien
Will's Wednesdays-7 pm @ Mellow Mushroom on the beach.
Saturdays - 8 pm @ Joey's Coffee Shop on Front Beach Road

Jazz, Jazz, Jazz!
On Wednesday nights, jazz fans have numerous options:

*Jazz Vocalist Suzanne Stewart-McDowell performs in the patio at the Los Antojitos Restaurant from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The restaurant is located about a mile east of the bridge on the edge of St. Andrews on Hwy. 98.

*Musician Steve Wiggins heads up a lively jam session at the Grand Panama Coffee Shop adjacent to the Edgewater Resort on Font Beach Road.

*Jazz Jam at the Granite Cafe (on the corner of Beck Ave and 10th St. in St. Andrews)from 6 - 10 pm. Bring an instrument and a bit of rhythm and join the jam!

YOUTUBE TALENT

* The Low Anthem is a folk band from the Northeast. What sets them apart is their phenomenal versatility. They play: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, upright bass, electric bass, banjo, clarinet, violin, mandolin, harmonica, keyboard, piano, trumpet, trombone, drum kit, pump organ, cellular telephones (from The Low Anthem's Wikipedia article). Check out their song For the Ghosts Who Write History Books, which features pump organ, guitar and clarinet. Thanks to David Swanson for the find.

* You must experience Shenzo. He makes an unplugged viola sound amplified and even distorted:
How to Play Rock Viola - Pt. 1.
How to Play Rock Viola - Pt. 2.

LINKS/NEWS

* In 2006 Filmmaker John Maher followed the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps for 80 days to get an insider's look at the rigors of a summer with a top-ranked drum and bugle corps. The result was Throw It Down, an 88 minute award-winning documentary that promises more than just inside jokes and you-had-to-be-there moments. An article featuring the film can be found on Marching.com. You can see the official trailer at the Throw It Down website.

* Marching.com also features a helpful technique guide by Wayne Downey, the music director for the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps. Downey wrote this guide, which can be found at: Marching.com.

* U2's doing a Spiderman Opera. Well, that should be interesting? Thanks to the Daily Swarm for the info.

* South African songwriter Graeme Sacks has written a piece that should get the aspiring writers among us (song or otherwise) to get busy writing. Check it out at his blog: AfricanABC. Thanks to Artists House for the find.

TOTALLY RANDOM

* This one is worth a few laughs in the xkcd vein: Photobucket


Well, that's all for this week. Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Weekend Music Links: Issue 8

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Welcome to Playground Music's eighth edition of Weekend Music Links. If you have any favorite blogs, message boards, videos, sites, bands, upcoming events, or anything else that you think deserves a mention, please send them our way. We love to get your feedback!

Remember-If you are a local musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out about upcoming shows, releases or projects, drop us a line.

You can follow and contact us on twitter @ playgroundpc, or send a message to our Facebook page administrators: Ford Seeuws or Justin Weathermon.

LOCAL NEWS

Tonight Steve Wiggins will be performing a live set at the Marina Civic Center's Backstage Pass Concert Series and from 6:30 to 8:00 they'll be recording the show for a live album.

LOCAL ARTISTS

Will Therrien

This week we have a video!




We were having some technical difficulties with the video playing at lower resolution. If it doesn't work for you, go here and click on VIEW IN HIGH QUALITY.


Sorry for the inconvenience.


LOCAL EVENTS

The News Herald has a great page listing weekly summer music events.
Check it out: Summer Concerts Will Have a Backstage Twist.


Individual Events

The Carolinas, Lily White, and The Bookends Live at the Rabbit Hole
Friday, August 14
6:00pm - 9:00pm
The Rabbit Hole on Harrison Ave.
$5
Check their Facebook Event Page for more info.

Chris Godber in Concert
Saturday, August 15
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Grand Ridge Baptist Church
2093 Porter Ave
Grand Ridge, FL
Facebook Event Page

Marisa Joy Williams Benefit Concert
Saturday, August 15
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Springfield United Methodist Church
701 School Ave.
Panama City, FL
Come for an evening of Christian music presented by Donna Williams accompanied by Alan Mullikin at a concert to raise funds for Joy Park to be built at Springfield United Methodist Church.
Facebook Event Page

Chris Godber in God Bless America Concert
Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Panama City Mall
Join Chris and many other artists at the Panama City Mall for a Free Concert! This is an inside event and should be in the center of the mall or on the Dillard's Wing. (More details to come....) Do a little shopping, listen to some music, it's all good! Chris goes on at 12:00PM.
Facebook Event Page

Ongoing Events

Backstage Pass Concert Series
Steve Wiggins (BLUES) Performs Tonight!!
Dark and cool speakeasy atmosphere. Show up early and tour the backstage area. Local bands and you on stage!
Friday Nights from July 24th-August 28th
6:30 - 8:00
Marina Civic Center (Stage Entrance at Northeast corner of building)
$5
Tickets are available in advance - online at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at Civic Center box office window.
More information on their Facebook Event Page.
Steve Wiggins' MySpace.

Live in Concert at the Martin Theatre
Sundays from now through Sept. 13
The Martin Theatre Green Room
3 - 7 p.m.
$2
This week featuring Jerry Mincey.
Details:
3 to 4 pm is a meet and greet with the artists,
at 4 we begin recording the show for WKGC.
Come and be a part of the show. 5PM to 7PM is music and more music.
Every week Lucky Mudd opens up the the afternoon of music for a different musical guest.
For more details visit Emerald Coast Studio.com.

Will Therrien
Will's Wednesdays-7 pm @ Mellow Mushroom on the beach.
Saturdays - 8 pm @ Joey's Coffee Shop on Front Beach Road

Jazz, Jazz, Jazz!
On Wednesday nights, jazz fans have numerous options:

*Jazz Vocalist Suzanne Stewart-McDowell performs in the patio at the Los Antojitos Restaurant from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The restaurant is located about a mile east of the bridge on the edge of St. Andrews on Hwy. 98.

*Musician Steve Wiggins heads up a lively jam session at the Grand Panama Coffee Shop adjacent to the Edgewater Resort on Font Beach Road.

*Jazz Jam at the Granite Cafe (on the corner of Beck Ave and 10th St. in St. Andrews)from 6 - 10 pm. Bring an instrument and a bit of rhythm and join the jam!

YOUTUBE TALENT

* School Band season is about to be in full swing, so as we kick off the season here's a jolt for all the drummers out there: Blue Devils Drum Corps.

* Virtuoso Violinist Roby Lakatos delivers a stirring rendition of Csardas. Give this thing a minute and, say 12 seconds, to kick in...blazing speed. Nice tune.

LINKS/NEWS

* The Texas Tech University Music Theory Department maintains a nice blog with some relevant music-related content. They have a weekly Metal Monday post focusing on, well, Metal. This week they had an interesting post that focused on the late Cliff Burton, the Metallica bassist who died in a plane crash in 1984 (Correction-tour bus incident-thanks to Otto Akin for the correction). The post helps remind us that being Metal doesn't mean you have to be simplistic in music appreciation or apathetic in your practice regimen. This entry proves quite the opposite actually, and sheds a bit more light on why Metallica would become the quintessential metal band.

* Newest gimmick to attract attention for cultural attractions: The Twitter Opera. (Thanks to wannaplaybynamm for the link)

* NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series turns its lenses and mics to The Swell Season this week. The Swell Season is a band composed of two members: Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard, the stars of the Academy Award winning film Once.

TOTALLY RANDOM

* For you non-sci-fi fans...sorry-more Star Wars. Nick Burch linked this in his blog covering the evolution of media and advertising. He pointed out how the internet seems to randomly spawn moments of creative brilliance, and to prove the point he references Stefan's Stormtrooper 365 Project on flickr. Each day Stefan uploads a new picture of stormtrooper action figures in different creative poses. The project began on April 9, and is promised to continue until April 8 of next year, so if you're a Warsie (or Warser, if that's less offensive), get your daily dose of Star Wars and creative photography from the same source.


Well, that's all for this week. Thanks for reading!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Weekend Music Links: Issue 7

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Welcome to Playground Music's seventh edition of Weekend Music Links. If you have any favorite blogs, message boards, videos, sites, bands, upcoming events, or anything else that you think deserves a mention, please send them our way. We love to get your feedback!

Remember-If you are a local musician or in a band (or know of one) and would like to get the word out about upcoming shows, releases or projects, drop us a line.

You can follow and contact us on twitter @ playgroundpc, or send a message to our Facebook page administrators: Ford Seeuws or Justin Weathermon.

FEATURE STORY
While this one comes a bit out of left field (or...uhhh...right field I guess), it's an interesting story that caught my eye, and it's definitely link-worthy, so here it is...

British rock band Radiohead, known for its brooding and melancholy meditations on various forms of societal malaise, have just released a song honoring Harry Patch, a 111 year-old British World War I veteran who recently passed away. Whatever your opinion of Radiohead's music or political persuasion (which they freely promote in this song), you can only benefit from a look at Mr. Patch's incredible story and life.

The story can be heard at PRI's The World or on BBC's Page where you can listen to Radiohead's Song Harry Patch (In Memory Of) while reading the lyrics and viewing a poignant photo of Mr. Patch in his last years.

The lyrics, while no doubt reflective of Radiohead's own political views on war, directly quotes Mr. Patch, and should be given an honest listen, if for no other reason than to honor the man himself.

The song begins with string lines that are reminiscent of the kind Michael Kamen used to convey the rich emotional tone that helped make Band of Brothers so good. Radiohead bring their A-game, though, utilizing Johnny Greenwood's intuitive use of dissonance and Yorke's atmospheric crooning to create a fitting homage to veterans like Harry Patch.

You can download the song from Radiohead's Website. All proceeds from the purchase will go to the British Legion in support of British veterans.


LOCAL ARTISTS

Chris Godber

Chris Godber has been a saxophonist from the beginning. He started playing at the age of 12 and began writing his own songs about the time he finished high school.

Chris spent some time overseas as a child while his dad was in the Air Force. While in Germany he spent much of his time in the house listening to music, and it became a central part of his life there. At the time it was Kenny G's mastery of the soprano sax that captivated his interest, and upon his return to the states, Chris took up the alto sax as he entered middle school.

He had asthma, however, and doctors warned him that he should not take up the sax because it could further affect his respiratory condition. He fought through it, though, and rather than aggravating his asthma, the extra effort helped strengthen his lungs.

After a successful performance of the national anthem for his father's Air Force retirement ceremony, Chris was hooked. He has since gone on to perform in numerous settings and has released four albums. His most recent, "One Breath at a Time," was released earlier this year.

Chris has this advice for young musicians:

"Practice, Practice! No joke, I know everyone tells you that, but that's because it's true in all aspects of life. If you want to get stronger, you have to work out; if you want to be a better cook you have to get into the kitchen! If you want to be a better musician you have to put in the effort and practice.

"And one thing I've learned about practicing is to never get satisfied with your playing level. If we get comfortable with how well we play then we won't strive to get better, we'll just get in this little niche and stay there. You should always aspire to be better tomorrow than you are today.

"There's an old saying that my band instructor would always tell me 'If you don't practice for one day, you will know it. If you miss practice for two days, your audience will know it.' I've always remembered this and I make an effort to practice accordingly."

A few musicians that have influenced his playing are: Boney James, Jeff Kashiwa, David Sanborn, Kenny G, Kirk Whalum, and Dave Koz. But Chris cites God as his greatest influence: "I was told that I wouldn't be able to play the sax. I could have left it at that, but something in my innermost being wouldn't let me. God spoke to me and told me to play that sax, and He allowed me to. Yea I got discouraged a lot because it was hard and didn't happen over night, but He blessed me with a family to give me pep talks and boost my confidence.

"When I was 15 I gave my sax playing and music all over to the Lord and asked Him to do with it what He would because it's not about me. He blessed it and did things with it that I could never have dreamed of. The only musical training I've had was in middle school band...I just played in church and let God teach me the rest. So my inspiration comes from the Father, whom I play for and share my testimony with audiences all over. Just as my new album is titled 'One Breath at a Time', I'm hoping to spread the message of hope and love one note and one breath at a time..."

Chris has a number of shows coming up. See the events list below for more information or visit his website Chris Godber.com.

LOCAL EVENTS

The News Herald has a great page listing weekly summer music events.
Check it out: Summer Concerts Will Have a Backstage Twist.


Individual Events

Cool Hand Luke, Save the Ship, Lily White and The Dukes of Appleton
TONIGHT!
6:30 pm
Lynn Haven United Methodist Church - 4501 Transmitter Rd.
$7
Check their Facebook Event Page for more info.


FRIDAY FEST TONIGHT!
6PM-10PM
4th Street Stage - Hangar Sixx
5th Street Stage - Emerald County Line
Maddie's Stage/6th Street - Bone Daddy
Gateway Park - TBA
Trustmark Stage/Oak Avenue - Ebb Tyde

For more info, visit Friday Fest's Website.

Curt McCathy and the 4th Street Band at Friday Fest
TONIGHT!
8:00pm - 11:55pm
The Place
Join Ashley Feller, Matt Law, Steve Henley and Curt McCarthy in the air conditioned comfort of The Place for Friday Fest!
4th Street plays eclectic acoustic music from a wide varity of artists with a little homegrown music mixed in for good measure .
You're guaranteed to hear a song you know by heart!
Facebook Event Page

Bread of Stone in Concert
Monday, August 10
7:00 pm
Free
Living Word Fellowship
Facebook Event Page

The Carolinas, Lily White, and The Bookends Live at the Rabbit Hole
Friday, August 14
6:00pm - 9:00pm
The Rabbit Hole on Harrison Ave.
$5
Check their Facebook Event Page for more info.

Chris Godber in Concert
Saturday, August 15
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Grand Ridge Baptist Church
2093 Porter Ave
Grand Ridge, FL
Facebook Event Page

Marisa Joy Williams Benefit Concert
Saturday, August 15
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Springfield United Methodist Church
701 School Ave.
Panama City, FL
Come for an evening of Christian music presented by Donna Williams accompanied by Alan Mullikin at a concert to raise funds for Joy Park to be built at Springfield United Methodist Church.
Facebook Event Page

Chris Godber in God Bless America Concert
Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Panama City Mall
Join Chris and many other artists at the Panama City Mall for a Free Concert! This is an inside event and should be in the center of the mall or on the Dillard's Wing. (More details to come....) Do a little shopping, listen to some music, it's all good! Chris goes on at 12:00PM.
Facebook Event Page

Ongoing Events

Backstage Pass Concert Series
Gulf Jazz Society Performs Tonight!!
Dark and cool speakeasy atmosphere. Show up early and tour the backstage area. Local bands and you on stage!
Friday Nights from July 24th-August 28th
6:30 - 8:00
Marina Civic Center (Stage Entrance at Northeast corner of building)
$5
Tickets are available in advance - online at www.marinaciviccenter.com and at Civic Center box office window.
More information on their Facebook Event Page.

Live in Concert at the Martin Theatre
Sundays from now through Sept. 13
The Martin Theatre Green Room
3 - 7 p.m.
$2
This week featuring Doug Spears.
Details:
3 to 4 pm is a meet and greet with the artists,
at 4 we begin recording the show for WKGC.
Come and be a part of the show. 5PM to 7PM is music and more music.
Every week Lucky Mudd opens up the the afternoon of music for a different musical guest.
For more details visit Emerald Coast Studio.com.

Jazz Jam at the Granite Cafe
Every Wednesday
The Granite Cafe (on the corner of Beck Ave and 10th St. in St. Andrews)
6 - 10 pm
FREE
Bring an instrument and a bit of rhythm and join the jam!

YOUTUBE TALENT

* This one made the rounds a couple years back, but it's worth another mention here. The featured talent here is not so much U2's song, which is nothing to shake a stick at, but the painstakingly researched and edited video:

Window in the Sky

* Here's a nice little song incorporating a string ensemble (thanks to Youtube's Music Tuesday for the find):

Too Much Time By John Vanderslice and the Magik Orchestra

* While fingerstyle guitar is not a new development, for many it was a new discovery when they saw Andy McKee's now famous performance of his song Drifting on Youtube in 2006. It's worth a look especially if you're unfamiliar with this unique way of playing the guitar:

Andy McKee - Drifting


LINKS/NEWS

* For all you composers and songwriters out there who need a break from the digital world, but never seem to have blank staff paper lying around, Blank Sheet Music.net is a nice little resource to have in your bookmarked pages. It's customizable, quick and free.

* Musician Tutorials.com has loads of great information for just about anything dealing with music-making in a typical 3-5 piece band. From guitar maintenance to choosing the right instrument, practice techniques, recording, dealing with stage fright, it's all there.

* Yamaha.com has some great resources for wind and band students. Their page Wind Tips from the Pros is one of these great resources with loads of valuable tutorials and tips.

TOTALLY RANDOM

* Some friends introduced me to Homestarrunner.com probably five years ago or so. If the name is new to you, it's hard to really know where to start in describing it. Two brothers who graduated from FSU film school decided to take their collective creative talents and direct them through a cast of characters they'd created for a children's book. The result was a web site that functions as a portal to a collection of cartoons, songs, video games, and, perhaps most famously, a page where one of the characters (Strongbad) answers real e-mails from fans of the site. So, if all this is new to you, a good places to start is Strongbad's email about drawing Dragons, which culminates with a song that has achieved that oh-so-coveted honor of inclusion in a Guitar Hero game. Witness the birth of Trogdor!

Well, that's all for this week. Thanks for reading!