PocoNotes Newsletter 2008-5: August 31, 2008
Hello...again! We hope that the Summer of '08 is treating you well.
As for us, we've just returned from another fantastic weekend at Fur Peace Ranch, where we spent four days with 50 people from all over the United States and, yet again, found that what made us similar was far more powerful than what made any of us different. It also served to remind us why PocoNotes is in its third season of bringing good music and good people together...with the musicians that serve as instructors at this musical haven. If you were with us in April for Patrick Sweany and Billy Rogan or in June for Toby Walker and Charles Havira, then no further explanation is necessary - except to say that Patrick, Billy, Toby, Charles - and our audiences - have set the bar mighty high on both the good music and good people counts!
However, you'll have another chance to see for yourself what we mean when we say "artists that will entertain you for a single evening...and impact you for the rest of your life" when we bring one New Orleans musician - Spencer Bohren - and one NEPA musician - Pat Flynn together at the Waverly Community House on September 13th for the third of our four-event acoustic storytelling series, "Hear 'Em at The Comm."
You see, sometimes - even at PocoNotes - it isn't only about the music. For these events, it's really about the storytelling. It's the sharing of true tales that have been gathered during the four decades that our headlining musicians have been touring the world meeting and playing for people just like you. So, come on out and hear a story - or, even better, become part of one as NOLA and NEPA take the stage for a night of music that did not happen last year...or last week...or last night and won't happen any night afterward, either...ever!
Besides, from what we're hearing, there's quite a bit of "buzz" among the local musicians about Pat Flynn, who is not only the extraordinary lead guitarist in some of NEPA's most legendary bands - Bent Blue, Mere Mortals, Music for Models, The Underground Saints among others - but also one of the most beloved and well respected musicians in the area. There has been lots of speculation as to what - exactly he will do when the stage is entirely his to keep...or share. Since we consider him to be one of the most talented guitarists we have ever heard, we're pretty anxious to see what he does, too.
After Pat, you will be introduced to Spencer Bohren, who is another good friend that we met with his wife, Marilyn, at Fur Peace Ranch's Couples Weekend last year where Spencer was teaching. We know that he will bring his Southern charm, an array of awesome instruments and a lifetime of stories that he'll share generously to make you laugh. But, he has also written the ultimate song about post-Katrina New Orleans that will make a few of you cry. So, it will be an evening to remember fondly what has been been lost - and to celebrate thankfully all that remains in the beloved city that he calls home.
All tickets are $20 in advance...available on-line at www.NEPATickets.com and www.PocoNotes.com and in person at Duffy Accessories at 218 Linden Street in Scranton and The Comm at 1115 North Abington Road in Waverly. At the performance, they will be $25 each - with a few very special exceptions:
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children under 12 are free when attending with an attentive parent or guardian
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military personnel and their families will attend with our compliments...and our deep appreciation for being the "brave" that allows us to live in the "land of the free"
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we even have a special deal for musicians, but they will have to come to the show to find out that it's an offer they wouldn't want to refuse.
All seating is general admission, but there isn't a bad seat in the house, as they say. In fact, this series is intended to be intimate and is what we have fondly nicknamed "house concerts...on steroids" as we've told the good folks at Concerts In Your Home. So, there will be lots of opportunities for you to speak with Spencer and Pat, have your photo taken with them and your CD's autographed. There will even be some brand new brochures about FPR's 2009 season for you to take home with you. It will be - simply - a night of good music and good people.
Each event in this series has something special just for the "pickers" in the crowd, too! With the support of Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Lackawanna County Council on Arts, Education and Culture and the Scranton Area Foundation, a workshop will be hosted by each headlining musician and geared toward the interest and abilities of the attendees. Spencer's incredible two-hour session starts at 1:30 p.m. and will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch a glimpse of him sharing the craft that has been his life - and his livelihood - for over 40 years. The fee is $40 and class size is limited - so reservations are strongly suggested.
Once again, Attorney Frank Marcin's Boy Scout Troop 322 of Dickson City will serve as our esteemed ushers. These future community leaders have proven invaluable to us at past shows, and we're looking forward to working with them for many shows to come.
So, that's it for now. Hopefully, we'll see you at the show. Bring a friend - or 12. We'll thank you - and, without a doubt, so will they!
If you need more information about anything we have mentioned or would like to know more about the beautiful logo designed for us by Love It! Designs, please send us a note at notes@PocoNotes.com. Even better, give us a call at (888) 800-POCO. We would love to hear from you!
Remember to be good to each other, keep supporting live music and dare to imagine something wonderful for yourself and the world around you! Perhaps you'll keep the people that live in America's Gulf Coast region in your thoughts while they brace for another "bumpy ride."
Dolores & Pat
"It's About the Music!"
(and the Stories!)
